Pablo Lopez Injury Update Not Good for MN Twins

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Pablo Lopez, Minnesota Twins
Credit: Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Minnesota Twins got off to a rough start down in Fort Myers on Monday when, during the first day of full-squad practices, Pablo Lopez left the mound during the middle of an at bat with “elbow soreness”

“Out of an abundance of caution,” the Twins told reporters shortly after he walked off the mound, that they hadan MRI scheduled on Lopez’ elbow, in order to identify the extent of any damage.

Tuesday morning, GM Jeremy Zoll met with reporters for an update on the star pitcher… and he didn’t bring good news.

MN Twins ace Pablo Lopez has torn UCL

Pablo Lopez has a partially torn UCL in his elbow, an injury that typically requires Tommy John surgery to repair, though he and the Twins have not decided whether or he will undergo surgery just yet, as they seek further medical opinion.

Lopez, 29, had Tommy John surgery 12 years ago as a minor leaguer, and it now seems more likely than not he will join an ever-growing list of pitchers who have gone under the knife again to fix their UCL ligament with a procedure named after Hall of Fame pitcher Tommy John.

John — a dominant lefty during his MLB career from 1963 to 1989 — is credited for receiving the first successful UCL reconstruction surgery for a big league pitcher, which harvested ligament from his right forearm.

He underwent the procedure in 1974. After sitting out the entire 1975 season, Tommy John returned for 14 more MLB seasons, which allowed him to pile up 2,544 innings and 31 additional WAR.

Now, nearly 1,000 innings into his major league career, Pablo Lopez may be the newest pitcher to try and follow in Tommy John’s footsteps. If so, he’d miss at least the entire 2026 season.

Twins can’t afford to lose Pablo Lopez…

Last year, Lopez made just 14 starts as he dealt with a grade 2 teres major strain, as well as being shut down with forearm tightness. There were no indications that his offseason program was impacted, but it’s clear that his arm just blew up on him.

Across those 14 starts last season, Lopez posted a 2.74 ERA (3.19 FIP) with 73 strikeouts across 75 2/3 innings. His health was a problem for the first time in years, but his effectiveness certainly was not.

Minnesota will now prepare to play the 2026 season without their ace, though they remain hopeful of a miracle. The same cannot be said for Team Venezuela, who was also relying on Lopez to help hold down their starting rotation this spring at the World Baseball Classic.

After this news, there’s really no chance of that happening, even if Pablo does somehow avoid surgery and pitch for the Twins in 2026.

Minnesota Twins rotation depth could be tested early

Tom Pohlad was excited to share that the Twins tried to sign Framber Valdez. Of course, they stopped short of making him any type of offer he couldn’t refuse, which is why he ultimately landed with AL Central rival Detroit for $115 million over the next three years.

If they have to replace Pablo Lopez, the Minnesota Twins are almost sure to do it internally, looking for Taj Bradley, Bailey Ober, Zebby Matthews, David Festa and Mick Abel to all step up. Kendry Rojas, Andrew Morris, and other Triple-A arms could be called upon quickly as well.

Related: Yankees Blocked Former Twins Coach From Returning

Minnesota’s win total was previously set at 74.5 for 2026. The under now looks like a near certainty. Starting pitching was going to carry this club, and they just lost the top option.

Pablo Lopez is set to make $21.75 million this season, whether he pitches or not. He’s set to make that same number next year, but with the MLB lockout looming, it’s entirely plausible Lopez has thrown his last pitch for the Minnesota Twins.

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