The Minnesota Twins have faced yet another setback, as their ace pitcher Pablo López has been diagnosed with a “significant tearing to the UCL” in his right elbow. This injury, confirmed by general manager Jeremy Zoll, is expected to sideline López for the entire 2026 season, and potentially extend into part of the 2027 campaign if he opts for reconstructive surgery.
This latest blow comes amid a tumultuous period for the Twins, who restructured the team significantly at the 2025 trade deadline. Following the overhaul, the organization not only removed the team from the market but also engaged additional investors and parted ways with longtime president of baseball operations, Derek Falvey. With a roster that saw major changes, López and fellow starter Joe Ryan were viewed as key components for a potential rebuild and were expected to attract trade interest at the 2026 deadline.
López, now in the third year of a four-year, $73.5 million contract, had performed admirably for the Twins, boasting a 3.68 ERA over his first three seasons and earning an All-Star selection in 2023. His performance also secured him a seventh-place finish in the Cy Young Award voting that same year, highlighting his talent and importance to the team’s success.
The Twins now find themselves in further uncertainty without López on the mound, thrusting the organization deeper into a rebuilding phase. Despite the challenges, López remains determined. Previously, he shared his resilient outlook saying, “You keep going. If you do something, try to do it at your very best.” The Twins and their fans will be hoping for a swift recovery for their pitcher, with the hope that he can return stronger and lead the team in the future.