Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López suffered a significant elbow injury during spring training that will likely require Tommy John surgery. The 30-year-old pitcher, who has been the team's opening day starter for three consecutive years, expressed disappointment about letting down his team and fans.
FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Minnesota Twins received devastating news during their initial full-team practice session when star pitcher Pablo López sustained a serious elbow injury that could end his 2025 season before it begins.
Team General Manager Jeremy Zoll announced to media at their spring training complex on Tuesday that López suffered a “significant tear” in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right arm. While awaiting additional medical consultation, Zoll indicated that Tommy John surgery would most likely be required. The injury occurred after López cut short his Monday bullpen session due to discomfort in his pitching arm.
López, who has served as Minnesota’s opening day starter for the past three seasons, faces the crushing reality of missing both the upcoming MLB campaign and next month’s World Baseball Classic, where he was set to represent Venezuela.
“I already feel I’m letting a lot of people down,” López stated. “I’m letting myself down. I’m letting the Twins down. I’m letting my family down.”
The pitcher, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on March 7, is earning $21.75 million this season and remains under contract through 2026.
“We know injuries are part of the game. You’re always trying to get through spring training as healthy as possible,” Zoll explained. “It’s definitely a blow, but we’re going to just do the best we can to push forward.”
López began his professional career with the Miami Marlins in 2018, playing five seasons before joining Minnesota through a trade. During his inaugural year with the Twins, he earned All-Star recognition and played a crucial role in breaking the franchise’s historic 18-game postseason losing streak in North American professional sports, posting a 2-0 record with a 0.71 ERA across two playoff appearances in 2023.
This won’t be López’s first experience with Tommy John surgery, as he underwent the procedure while in the Seattle Mariners system, missing the entire 2014 minor league season.
“We’re not designed to throw things that hard for an extended time,” López remarked to reporters at the Lee Health Sports Complex. “Having done it once, I can do it again. Doesn’t mean I want to, but I’m going to have to and I know I can.”
Last season proved challenging for López, who missed approximately three months due to a shoulder problem, limiting him to just 75 2/3 innings. Despite being frequently mentioned in trade discussions as the Twins reduced payroll, management chose to retain both López and fellow right-hander Joe Ryan to anchor what was anticipated to be a formidable starting rotation.
With López sidelined, the Twins must now rely on Ryan, a 2025 All-Star selection, to lead the pitching staff, while Bailey Ober faces increased expectations to serve as a dependable second starter.
The team’s younger pitchers, including 25-year-olds Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa—who collectively started 98 games over the previous two seasons—are expected to compete for rotation spots. Additionally, Taj Bradley and Mick Abel, both acquired during last summer’s trade deadline activity, remain strong candidates for starting roles.
“In a lot of ways, we view this as a real opportunity for someone to step up and take advantage of that,” Zoll noted. “We’ll pick up the pieces once we have a better handle on things.”