Twins Pitcher Pablo López Faces Season-Ending Surgery

Torn elbow ligament puts All-Star's 2026 season in jeopardy

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo López has suffered a significant tear in his ulnar collateral ligament, putting his 2026 season in serious jeopardy. The team's general manager said that Tommy John surgery is "very much on the table" for the 29-year-old right-hander, who was hoping to pitch for Venezuela in next month's World Baseball Classic.

Why it matters

López has been the Twins' Opening Day starter for the past three seasons and was an American League All-Star in 2023. His potential season-ending injury is a major blow to the Twins, who are looking to bounce back after finishing last in the AL Central with a 70-92 record in 2025.

The details

López felt soreness in his elbow during a bullpen session on Monday, cutting the workout short. An evaluation revealed significant tearing in his ulnar collateral ligament, and the team is now considering Tommy John surgery, which would sideline him for the entire 2026 season. López is seeking a second opinion this week in hopes of avoiding the procedure.

  • On Monday, López's bullpen session was cut short due to elbow soreness.
  • On Tuesday, the Twins announced that López has a significant tear in his ulnar collateral ligament.

The players

Pablo López

A 29-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who was hoping to pitch for Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.

Jeremy Zoll

The general manager of the Minnesota Twins.

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What they’re saying

“Tommy John surgery 'is very much on the table'”

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

What’s next

López will seek a second opinion this week to determine if he can avoid Tommy John surgery and potentially return to the mound in 2026.

The takeaway

This injury is a major setback for the Twins, who were counting on López to be a key part of their rotation this season. His potential absence highlights the fragility of pitching arms and the challenges teams face in keeping their star players healthy and on the field.