Pablo López Facing Tommy John Surgery After Elbow Injury

Pablo López's injury is a blow to the Minnesota Twins, who were counting on him to anchor their pitching staff. The right-hander had a strong 2023 season, earning an All-Star selection, and posted a 2.74 ERA in 14 starts last season following his arrival to the Twins in the Luis Arraez trade.

The injury occurred during a live batting practice session, where López reported elbow soreness after just a few pitches. An MRI confirmed the significant UCL tear, potentially leading to Tommy John surgery. This would be his second such procedure. He also missed more than half of 2025 with shoulder and forearm issues.

The Twins will now need to re-evaluate their pitching options for the upcoming season, potentially relying on other starters to step up or exploring free-agent acquisitions. This injury also serves as a reminder of the fragility of pitchers and the impact injuries can have on team performance.

Tommy John surgery is a procedure to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in the elbow, often performed on baseball pitchers.

The recovery period typically ranges from 12 to 18 months.

López's injury creates a significant hole in the Twins' starting rotation, requiring them to find a replacement or rely on other pitchers to step up.

How do you think the Twins will adjust their pitching rotation in light of López's injury? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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