Twins' Pablo López likely to miss entire season

Pitcher suffers elbow injury during live batting practice

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo López was injured during a live batting practice session, feeling a sharp pain in his right elbow that is similar to a previous injury. The team expects López to miss the entire 2026 season as he recovers from the setback.

Why it matters

The loss of López is a significant blow to the Twins' pitching rotation, as he has been a key part of their starting staff in recent seasons. His injury raises concerns about the team's depth and ability to remain competitive in the AL Central division.

The details

López, 30, felt the sharp pain in his elbow after releasing a pitch during Monday's live batting practice session. The injury is similar to a previous elbow issue he has dealt with in the past. The Twins' medical staff is still evaluating the extent of the damage, but the initial prognosis is that López will likely miss the entire 2026 season while recovering.

  • On Monday, February 17, 2026, López was injured during live batting practice.

The players

Pablo López

A 30-year-old starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.

Minnesota Twins

A Major League Baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“It felt like just something sharp happening where now I have a scar already.”

— Pablo López (wn.com)

What’s next

The Twins will need to evaluate the full extent of López's injury and determine a timeline for his recovery. They may need to explore trade options or free agent signings to bolster their pitching depth in his absence.

The takeaway

The loss of a key starting pitcher like Pablo López is a significant setback for the Twins, who will have to find ways to fill the void in their rotation and remain competitive in the AL Central without one of their most reliable arms.