Minneapolis, Minnesota — The Minnesota Twins are grappling with a significant setback as starting pitcher Pablo López has been diagnosed with a tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow. The team’s general manager, Jeremy Zoll, reported that López will seek a second opinion, but surgery that could sideline him for the entire season looms as a possibility.
López initially experienced discomfort in his elbow after a bullpen session, prompting the Twins to perform imaging as a precaution. However, the situation escalated, revealing a serious injury that may necessitate surgical intervention. Typically, such UCL tears require either a reconstructive procedure, often referred to as “Tommy John,” or an internal brace procedure to strengthen the ligament, both of which would effectively end his season before it truly begins.
The 29-year-old right-hander faced a tough season in 2025, managing to play in only 14 games due to injuries that included a Grade 2 strain of his teres major muscle and a forearm strain that kept him off the field for the remainder of the year. When active, López showcased his ability, posting a 2.74 ERA and demonstrating both strikeout and control proficiency with a strikeout rate of 23.4% and a walk rate of 6.4%.
Former president of baseball operations Derek Falvey previously indicated that López could have continued pitching through a mild forearm strain if the team had been in contention for the playoffs. Having undergone a typical offseason, López’s current UCL injury appears to be a new development rather than a continuation of previous issues. Regardless of potential warning signs, it is expected that this new injury will impede his performance significantly.
López’s absence poses a challenge for a Twins roster already low on depth. While the organization has been recognized for its starting pitching depth, many of the available options are young and relatively inexperienced at the Major League level. In the wake of López’s injury, Joe Ryan is set to assume the role of Opening Day starter, with Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson joining the rotation. Ober is aiming for a comeback season after battling a hip injury last year, while Woods Richardson had a promising finish in 2025, revitalizing his status after earlier setbacks.
The Twins do have promising young pitchers waiting in the wings, including David Festa, Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, and Mick Abel, all of whom were highly regarded prospects before making their big league debuts. Furthermore, Andrew Morris and Kendry Rojas have emerged as notable talents within the organization. Although any of these younger pitchers could step in and contribute, replacing the effectiveness and experience that a healthy López brings to the table will be a daunting task.
López is under a four-year, $73.5 million contract extension, which covers the 2024-2027 seasons. This deal makes him the highest-paid player on a Twins roster that has undergone significant changes, including the trading of multiple players at last year’s trade deadline. The team has made some offseason additions, including signings of experienced players like Josh Bell and Victor Caratini, aiming to bolster their squad.
Tom Pohlad, the newly appointed executive chair, has hinted at the organization’s potential for further payroll increases. Recently, he confirmed interest in pursuing left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez, which suggests a willingness to invest in strengthening the team. As the Twins navigate this injury crisis, external options remain available, particularly among veteran free agents and potential trade targets.
Though the immediate future appears uncertain for the Twins, the organization is hopeful that they can weather this storm. If they can remain competitive at the start of the season, the front office may explore options to enhance their roster as the trade deadline approaches. The unfolding scenario will test the resilience of both the team and its management as they strive to maintain their position within a challenging division.