MN Twins Ace Leaves With Another Injury

The Minnesota Twins got ace pitcher Pablo Lopez back two weeks ago after he missed more than three months with a grade 2 teres major strain. He made a pair of starts and was on the bump for his final Target Field outing of the season.

The entire reason Lopez wanted to return, despite a 66-86 Minnesota Twins record, was to prove a clean bill of health to himself. Of course, the Twins front office may not rule out the idea of trading him this offseason, so showcasing that health works in their favor too.

Unfortunately Lopez’s star was cut short after he left just four innings in.

Pablo Lopez exits with injury for Minnesota Twins

The Cleveland Guardians came to town for four games in three days. Their playoff hopes are hanging by a thread and the Minnesota Twins could play spoiler. Pablo Lopez making a start always helps those chances, but he left after four innings while trailing 2-0.

The departure was a clear injury as Cody Laweryson got warm on the game mound rather than entering from the bullpen. Minnesota then provided an update on Lopez’s status.

Pablo López left the game with right forearm tightness from the diving play he made in the third inning, the Twins announced. https://t.co/hL6q8nOqHA

— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 20, 2025

Through four innings of work Lopez allowed two runs on three hits and a pair of walks. He also struck out two. He had thrown just 61 pitches, of which 40 were strikes. There was no injury concern prior to the defensive play he made.

Here's the play Pablo was hurt on. pic.twitter.com/rPJTsxhCVi

— Ted (@tlschwerz) September 20, 2025

Forearm tightness is never a positive, especially for a pitcher. Lopez clearly landed awkwardly as he fell to the ground, and his attempt at bracing himself wasn’t exactly the smoothest.

Lopez would have room to make one more turn, likely in Texas against the Rangers. It’s beyond logical that he would be skipped for that start and this would end his season. Minnesota can make a roster move, but they are currently rocking a six-man rotation.

If this is the end of the season for Lopez, he finishes with a career-low 2.74 ERA. Unfortunately that comes with just 75 2/3 innings. He also tallied 73 strikeouts and just 20 walks.

Related: Injury Ends Season for Twins Outfielder

When healthy, Lopez was every bit the ace Minnesota needed. The time missed absolutely sank the squad though, and his $21.75 million each of the next two years may not be a contract a bleeding ownership group wants to commit to.

Minnesota plays a doubleheader against Cleveland on Saturday before their final home game of the season on Sunday.