Twins Ace Pablo Lopez Likely Out for Season After Elbow Injury

Twins GM says Lopez has 'significant tear' in throwing elbow, expects Tommy John surgery

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Minnesota Twins suffered a major blow as starting pitcher Pablo Lopez is likely to miss the entire 2026 season due to a significant tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament. Twins GM Jeremy Zoll said Lopez will likely need Tommy John surgery, sidelining the team's opening day starter for the past three years.

Why it matters

Lopez's injury is a major setback for the Twins, who were counting on him to anchor their starting rotation this season. The loss of their top pitcher puts pressure on the rest of the staff to step up, including All-Star Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, as well as some younger arms like Simeon Woods Richardson and Zebby Matthews.

The details

Lopez, who turns 30 this month, was grappling with the disappointment of likely missing not only the upcoming MLB season but also the World Baseball Classic, where he was scheduled to pitch for his native Venezuela. The Twins were considering trading Lopez last year but opted to keep him, and now they will have to find a way to fill the void left by his absence.

  • On Monday, Lopez ended his bullpen session early due to soreness in his throwing elbow.
  • On Tuesday, Twins GM Jeremy Zoll announced that Lopez has a 'significant tear' in his right ulnar collateral ligament and is expected to need Tommy John surgery.

The players

Pablo Lopez

A 30-year-old starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who has been the team's opening day starter for the past three seasons.

Jeremy Zoll

The general manager of the Minnesota Twins.

Joe Ryan

An All-Star pitcher for the Twins who is now expected to be the team's ace with Lopez out.

Bailey Ober

A right-handed pitcher for the Twins who is under pressure to step up as a reliable No. 2 starter with Lopez's injury.

Simeon Woods Richardson

A 25-year-old right-handed pitcher who has made 98 starts over the past two seasons and is likely to make the Twins' opening rotation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I already feel I'm letting a lot of people down. I'm letting myself down. I'm letting the Twins down. I'm letting my family down.”

— Pablo Lopez (kfgo.com)

“We know injuries are part of the game. You're always trying to get through spring training as healthy as possible. It's definitely a blow, but we're going to just do the best we can to push forward.”

— Jeremy Zoll, Twins General Manager (kfgo.com)

What’s next

The Twins will wait for a second medical opinion on Lopez's injury before confirming the need for Tommy John surgery. If the surgery is required, the team will have to determine how to fill the void in their starting rotation for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The loss of Pablo Lopez is a major setback for the Twins, who were counting on the veteran right-hander to anchor their starting rotation. The team will now need to rely on their depth, including young arms like Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, to step up and fill the void left by Lopez's likely season-ending injury.