The Minnesota Twins had an injury update on right-hander Pablo Lopez.
The Minnesota Twins entered spring training hoping to stabilize their rotation and build on a roster that still believed it could compete in 2026. Much of that confidence centered around ace Pablo Lopez, who had quietly become one of the most reliable starters in the American League since arriving in Minnesota. Instead, the club is now facing a devastating blow before the season even begins.
Lopez had been a steady force at the top of the rotation over the past three seasons, providing durability, consistency and high‑end production. In 2025, he once again showed his value, posting a 2.74 ERA across his first 14 starts before injuries interrupted his season.
Even after missing significant time, he returned late in the year and looked sharp, reinforcing the belief that he would be fully ready to lead the staff in 2026. That optimism quickly disappeared as more information surfaced about his elbow on Friday.
“Twins Territory is with you, Pablo ❤️. Pablo Lopez will undergo surgery on his right UCL on Wednesday in Dallas, Texas and will be out for the 2026 season,” the Twins wrote on X.
The procedure, commonly known as Tommy John surgery, will sideline Lopez for the entire year and likely into part of 2027 as well. It marks the second time in his career that he has undergone the operation, adding another layer of uncertainty to his long‑term outlook.
This loss is significant for several reasons. Lopez was expected to anchor the rotation and provide innings that few others on the roster can replicate. His ability to consistently work deep into games helped stabilize both the starting staff and the bullpen. Without him, the Twins lose not only production but also reliability.
The ripple effects are immediate. Joe Ryan now steps into the role of staff ace, while pitchers like Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson will be asked to take on greater responsibility. Younger arms such as Zebby Matthews and David Festa could also be thrust into meaningful roles earlier than expected, accelerating their development timelines.
Beyond the on‑field impact, the injury complicates Minnesota’s competitive outlook. The front office made moves that suggested a desire to contend rather than rebuild, holding onto key players and adding complementary pieces. Losing Lopez puts that plan in jeopardy and may force the organization to explore external pitching options.
For a team already walking a fine line between contention and transition, this injury shifts the balance significantly. The Twins will now need internal growth and unexpected contributions just to stay competitive in a division that offers little margin for error.