Twins' Pablo López to Undergo Surgery After Significant UCL Tear

The right-handed pitcher will likely miss the entire 2026 season.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo López will undergo surgery after an MRI revealed a significant tear in his right elbow's ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). The 29-year-old All-Star was preparing for the upcoming World Baseball Classic when he abruptly exited a live throwing session on Monday due to soreness. López missed more than half of the 2025 season with shoulder and forearm injuries, and the Twins were counting on him to lead their rotation this year.

Why it matters

The loss of López is a major blow to the Twins' pitching staff and playoff aspirations. As an All-Star in 2023 with a 2.74 ERA last season, López was expected to anchor the rotation. His extended absence will force the team to rely more heavily on their depth and potentially alter their plans for the upcoming season.

The details

According to Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll, López will get a second opinion in the coming days, but surgery is on the table. If he undergoes the procedure, he would likely miss the entire 2026 season. López was ahead of his typical spring schedule as he prepared to pitch for Venezuela in next month's World Baseball Classic. His first two innings on Monday went well, but after just two pitches in the third inning, he reported soreness to pitching coach Pete Maki and headed back to the dugout.

  • On Monday, Pablo López abruptly exited his live throwing session in the third inning due to soreness.
  • On Tuesday, the Twins announced that an MRI revealed a significant tear in López's right elbow UCL.

The players

Pablo López

A 29-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who was expected to lead their rotation this season after making the 2023 All-Star team and posting a 2.74 ERA in 14 starts in 2025.

Jeremy Zoll

The general manager of the Minnesota Twins.

Pete Maki

The pitching coach for the Minnesota Twins.

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What they’re saying

“The Minnesota Twins will be without ace Pablo López for an extended period while he recovers from a significant tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.”

— Jeremy Zoll, General Manager (nytimes.com)

What’s next

López will get a second opinion in the coming days to determine if surgery is necessary. If he does undergo the procedure, he would likely miss the entire 2026 season.

The takeaway

The loss of Pablo López is a major setback for the Twins, who were counting on the All-Star pitcher to anchor their rotation this season. His extended absence will force the team to rely more heavily on their pitching depth and could significantly impact their playoff aspirations.