Twins 'hunt for good' in wake of Pablo López's possible season-ending injury

New manager Derek Shelton won't discount the impact of López's injury but also thinks there's a chance for someone else to step up.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Minnesota Twins are dealing with the potential loss of starting pitcher Pablo López, who suffered a substantial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament and may need Tommy John surgery, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2026 season. While manager Derek Shelton acknowledged the devastating impact of the injury, he urged the team to 'hunt the good' and look for opportunities for other players to step up in López's absence.

Why it matters

López was a key part of the Twins' rotation, and his potential season-ending injury is a significant blow to the team's hopes of rebounding from two straight losing seasons. However, Shelton sees this as a chance for younger, inexperienced pitchers to prove themselves and earn a spot in the rotation.

The details

With López likely out, pitchers Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel and Andrew Morris are all vying for a spot in the Twins' rotation. Shelton wants the players to focus on the 'good' and take advantage of their opportunities, rather than dwelling on the negatives of the situation.

  • On Monday, Pablo López suffered a substantial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament during the Twins' first full-squad workout.
  • On Wednesday, Twins manager Derek Shelton addressed the team about López's injury and urged them to 'hunt the good' and stay positive.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins, who is encouraging his players to stay positive and look for opportunities in the wake of Pablo López's injury.

Pablo López

The Twins' starting pitcher who suffered a substantial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament and may need Tommy John surgery, potentially sidelining him for the entire 2026 season.

Royce Lewis

The Twins' third baseman, who expressed sympathy for López and said the team will miss him, but also believes someone else will step up in his absence.

Simeon Woods Richardson

One of the Twins' talented yet inexperienced pitchers who is now vying for a spot in the rotation with López's potential absence.

Bailey Ober

A Twins starting pitcher who acknowledged the team's success when López was on the mound and said the only way to move forward is to put other players in positions to succeed.

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What they’re saying

“Everyone feels for (López). You can't find a better person, someone who puts their body on the line. … The game is going to miss him. We're going to miss him a ton as a team. But like Shelty was saying, we're going to hunt the good and out of that someone else is going to get a chance to step up.”

— Royce Lewis, Third baseman (New York Times)

“When our guys see Pablo López slated on the lineup card every five or six days — we're going to go dominate this game.”

— Bailey Ober, Starting pitcher (New York Times)

“The only way we can move forward is to move forward, and to put guys in those positions to succeed.”

— Bailey Ober, Starting pitcher (New York Times)

“Our game is based on failure. I want to make sure our coaches and our players focus back towards what the good thing about every day is. … It's a privilege to be here. It's a privilege to put a major league uniform on. It's a privilege to be a member of this organization. Sometimes, you don't realize that privilege until it gets taken away from you.”

— Derek Shelton, Manager (New York Times)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.