Twins Adjust to Pablo López's Season-Ending Injury

Pitchers Vie for Open Rotation Spot as Team Looks to Overcome Devastating Blow

Apr. 12, 2026 at 10:20am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into fragmented geometric shapes and planes, conveying the complex challenges the Twins face in overcoming their star player's season-ending injury.As the Twins adjust to the loss of their star pitcher, the team's future rests on the shoulders of a new generation of young arms vying for their chance to shine.Minnesota City Today

The Minnesota Twins are mentally adjusting to the potential loss of starting pitcher Pablo López, who may require Tommy John surgery and miss the upcoming season due to a torn ulnar collateral ligament. Manager Derek Shelton is encouraging his players to 'hunt the good' in the face of adversity, as a group of talented yet inexperienced arms now vie for an open rotation spot.

Why it matters

López's injury is a devastating blow to the Twins' hopes of rebounding from two straight losing seasons. However, the team must find ways to fill his shoes and dominate the game without him, as he was a leader by example through his meticulous work ethic and often brought success to the team.

The details

With López down, pitchers Simeon Woods Richardson, David Festa, Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel, and Andrew Morris are now all competing for a second open spot in the rotation. The Twins were 45-33 in the 80 starts made by López since he was acquired from the Miami Marlins in 2023, and now the team must adjust to their new reality.

  • On Wednesday, FanGraphs projects the Twins have a 26.6 percent chance of making the playoffs.

The players

Derek Shelton

The manager of the Minnesota Twins who is encouraging his players to 'hunt the good' in the face of adversity.

Chuck Bradway

The Twins' strength and conditioning coach who introduced the 'hunt for good' phrase that Shelton is using with his players.

Simeon Woods Richardson

One of the talented yet inexperienced arms now vying for an open rotation spot with the Twins.

David Festa

One of the talented yet inexperienced arms now vying for an open rotation spot with the Twins.

Zebby Matthews

One of the talented yet inexperienced arms now vying for an open rotation spot with the Twins.

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What they’re saying

“We must find ways to fill López's shoes. He was a leader by example through his meticulous work ethic and often brought success to the team.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

“While López's injury is overwhelmingly negative, we want those who can benefit from it to take advantage of their opportunity.”

— Derek Shelton, Twins Manager

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.