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Twins get devastating injury news on Pablo Lopez originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
It's not looking very good for the Minnesota Twins as news has developed on starting pitcher Pablo Lopez.
At the beginning of the week, Lopez was pulled from a batting practice session due to experiencing elbow soreness. The All-Star pitcher received an MRI on the injury, and it revealed a partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his right elbow.
Further reports have come out, and The Athletic's Aaron Gleeman confirmed that the starting pitcher is set to undergo Tommy John surgery. Ultimately, ruling Lopez out for the entire 2026 season.
How will the Twins pivot from Pablo Lopez this season?
It will be tough for the Twins to replace Pablo Lopez this season, but a recent history of setbacks for the pitcher has resulted in Minnesota getting used to not having him.
This is the second Tommy John surgery Lopez will receive in his career. The first came during his early professional career while being a part of the Seattle Mariners organization.
Multiple injuries, including a hamstring strain, a Grade 2 teres major strain, and a forearm strain, resulted in Lopez making 14 productive starts in 2025 that resulted in a 5-4 record, 2.74 ERA, and 1.11 WHIP.
The Twins will look to lean on Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, Zebby Matthews, and Simeon Woods Richardson a little heavier for this campaign.
As for Lopez, 29, he will have to wait until he turns 31 before taking the mound again for Minnesota. It will be a long recovery process, and the Twins will have to swallow the heavy $21.75 million owed this season.
More Twins news:
Proposed Twins signing sees Minnesota acquire $61 million All-Star, former Cy Young candidate ace as insurance for Pablo Lopez
Twins get 'F' grade for offseason thanks to owner Tom Pohlad meddling with team
Twins make trade with Dodgers for 3.18 ERA World Series champion reliever
Twins sign ex-Red Sox, White Sox Australian reliever who once led the AL in saves
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