Pablo López Diagnosed with UCL Tear; Season in Jeopardy
Minnesota Twins right-handed pitcher Pablo López has received a diagnosis of a tear in his right elbow's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), an announcement made by general manager Jeremy Zoll. López is currently seeking a second medical opinion as season-ending surgery remains a potential and likely outcome.
The diagnosis of a UCL tear puts Pablo López's entire season at risk, with surgical repair being a strong possibility.
UCL Tear Confirmed
López reported experiencing elbow discomfort following a recent bullpen session, which prompted imaging that subsequently revealed the injury. UCL tears typically necessitate surgical repair, often through either an internal brace procedure or a full Tommy John reconstruction. Both of these surgical options would conclude his season before it even has a chance to begin.
A History of Setbacks
The 29-year-old López made 14 appearances in 2025, pitching 75 2/3 innings. His time on the mound that season was limited due to a Grade 2 teres major muscle strain, followed by a forearm strain. Despite these prior health issues, he managed to record a commendable 2.74 ERA during his appearances. The current UCL tear is considered a new injury, having developed during the ongoing camp.
Twins' Rotation Faces Significant Hit
This injury creates a substantial void in the Twins' pitching rotation. Joe Ryan is now anticipated to serve as the Opening Day starter, with Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson expected to follow. The organization boasts several highly-rated young pitchers, including David Festa, Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, Connor Prielipp, Andrew Morris, and Kendry Rojas, who could compete for the newly open rotation spots. However, replacing López's established performance—which includes a 3.61 ERA over 141 career starts coupled with strong strikeout and walk rates—presents a considerable challenge for the team.
Contract Status and Roster Outlook
López previously signed a four-year, $73.5MM extension covering the 2024-27 seasons, positioning him as the highest-paid player on the Twins' roster. The team's current payroll is noted to be lower than in previous seasons, and new executive chair Tom Pohlad has indicated an openness to further roster additions.
The Twins had previously explored acquiring pitcher Framber Valdez and may now consider other free-agent right-handers such as Lucas Giolito or Zack Littell to bolster their staff. Trade options, including Brady Singer and Patrick Sandoval, have also been discussed. The team possesses depth in left-handed outfielders, a resource that could be strategically leveraged in potential trade scenarios.