Twins Pitcher Pablo Lopez Suffers Torn Elbow Ligament

Season-ending surgery a possibility for Twins' expected ace

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Minnesota Twins announced on Tuesday that starting pitcher Pablo Lopez has suffered a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. Lopez was injured during the team's first full-squad workout in Florida, leaving the mound due to elbow soreness. Surgery is now a possibility, which would end Lopez's 2026 season before it even began.

Why it matters

Lopez was expected to be the ace of the Twins' pitching staff in 2026, after making just 14 starts last season due to a shoulder injury. His potential season-ending injury is a major blow to the Twins as they try to rebuild their roster and regain the trust of their fan base following a 70-92 season in 2025.

The details

Twins General Manager Jeremy Zoll announced on Tuesday morning that an MRI revealed Lopez has a torn ligament in his throwing elbow. Lopez was pitching live batting practice on Monday, the first day of full-squad workouts, when he left the mound due to elbow soreness. Zoll said Lopez is seeking a second opinion, but surgery is "very much on the table" which would end his 2026 season.

  • On Monday, February 17, 2026, Lopez suffered the elbow injury during the Twins' first full-squad workout in Florida.
  • On Tuesday, February 18, 2026, the Twins announced Lopez's torn elbow ligament and the possibility of season-ending surgery.

The players

Pablo Lopez

A starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who was expected to be the ace of their 2026 pitching staff, but has now suffered a torn elbow ligament that could require season-ending surgery.

Jeremy Zoll

The General Manager of the Minnesota Twins, who announced Lopez's injury and the possibility of season-ending surgery.

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What they’re saying

“Surgery is very much on the table”

— Jeremy Zoll, General Manager, Minnesota Twins (fox9.com)

What’s next

Lopez will seek a second opinion on his elbow injury, but if surgery is required, his 2026 season with the Twins would likely be over before it began.

The takeaway

This injury is a major setback for the Twins as they try to rebuild their roster and regain the trust of their fanbase. Losing their expected ace pitcher for the season will force them to rely more heavily on other starters like Joe Ryan to lead the rotation.