Twins Ace Pablo López to Undergo Season-Ending Tommy John Surgery

The right-hander will miss the 2026 season after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo López will undergo season-ending Tommy John elbow surgery after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament. The 29-year-old right-hander, who made the All-Star team in his first year with the Twins in 2023, will miss the entire 2026 season due to the injury.

Why it matters

The loss of López is a major blow to the Twins' pitching rotation as they look to build on their 2023 playoff appearance. López had been expected to anchor the staff and represent Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

The details

López, who is making $21.75 million this season, ended a bullpen session early during the Twins' first full-squad workout on Monday. After further evaluation, the team discovered the UCL tear that will require surgery. This will be the second Tommy John procedure of López's career, as he previously underwent the surgery as a minor leaguer with the Seattle Mariners organization in 2014.

  • On Monday, February 20, 2026, López ended a bullpen session early during the Twins' first full-squad workout.
  • On Tuesday, February 21, 2026, the Twins announced that López had a torn UCL and would require season-ending Tommy John surgery.

The players

Pablo López

A 29-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who made the All-Star team in his first season with the team in 2023.

Derek Shelton

The first-year manager of the Minnesota Twins.

Jeremy Zoll

The general manager of the Minnesota Twins.

Dr. Keith Meister

The Texas Rangers team physician who will perform López's Tommy John surgery.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.