Twins’ Pablo Lopez Suffers Torn UCL, Faces Potential Surgery

Spring training is barely underway and the Minnesota Twins are already facing a significant blow. Ace pitcher Pablo López is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery after an MRI revealed a significant tear in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow, multiple reports confirmed Tuesday. The injury occurred during a live throwing session on Monday, abruptly ending what was hoped to be a pivotal season for both López and the Twins.

General manager Jeremy Zoll acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that surgery is “very much on the table,” though López will seek a second opinion. Should he proceed with the surgery, López will almost certainly miss the entirety of the 2026 season, a devastating setback for a pitcher who has established himself as a cornerstone of the Twins’ rotation.

“Talk about going from 100 to a zero on the scale of being excited, being pumped, being just ultimately happy to be here and then you get to hear news like that,” López said, reflecting on the emotional impact of the diagnosis. The injury is particularly disheartening given López’s recent history with shoulder and forearm issues, which limited him to 75⅔ innings in 2025.

The Twins were counting on López to lead their pitching staff in 2026, especially after he helped the franchise break an 18-game postseason losing streak with a stellar performance in the 2023 playoffs, posting a 0.71 ERA in two starts. His absence creates a significant void at the top of the rotation and throws the team’s plans into disarray.

While the team has some pitching depth, none of the potential replacements have consistently demonstrated the ability to perform at a high level. The most likely candidates to compete for López’s spot are Zebby Matthews, David Festa, and Mick Abel. Matthews, in particular, is considered a strong contender, possessing the ability to rack up strikeouts and limit walks, though he needs to improve his results on balls in play. Festa and Abel have also shown flashes of potential, but remain unproven at the major league level.

The news isn’t limited to the Twins. Elsewhere in spring training, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Blake Snell is also facing an uncertain timeline as he deals with lingering soreness and fatigue from his World Series run. Manager Dave Roberts admitted he doesn’t know when Snell will be ready to pitch, as the team is prioritizing his health for the postseason. The Dodgers’ approach highlights a broader strategy of managing their pitching staff with October in mind, even if it means sacrificing some regular-season performance.

The Atlanta Braves are also dealing with pitching concerns, as hurston Waldrep is scheduled to see Dr. Keith Meister regarding soreness in his elbow. An initial MRI didn’t reveal structural damage, but the team is taking a cautious approach. Waldrep could potentially require surgery, similar to Spencer Schwellenbach, which would sideline him for several months.

Finally, Edwin Uceta of the Tampa Bay Rays is dealing with a “cranky” shoulder, potentially impacting his chances of winning the closer’s role. While the injury isn’t considered serious at this time, it could give Griffin Jax an edge in the competition.

These early spring training injuries underscore the inherent risks of the game and the challenges teams face in keeping their players healthy. For the Twins, the loss of López is a particularly significant blow, but they will need to rely on their depth and develop young pitchers to navigate the season. The Dodgers, meanwhile, are taking a long-term approach with Snell, prioritizing his health for the playoffs. And the Braves and Rays will be closely monitoring Waldrep and Uceta, hoping to avoid further setbacks.

The situation with López is particularly concerning, as he is signed through next year and will be 31 years old when he returns from surgery. While he has overcome injuries in the past, there is no guarantee he will be able to regain his previous form. The Twins will need to carefully manage his recovery and provide him with the support he needs to return to the mound successfully.

As spring training progresses, teams will continue to assess their rosters and make adjustments as needed. The early injuries serve as a reminder that anything can happen, and that depth and flexibility are crucial for success. The coming weeks will be critical for teams as they prepare for the start of the 2026 season.