FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López is facing a major setback in his career, as the team announced Friday that the right-hander will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow. The procedure, which López has undergone once before, is scheduled for next week in Texas and will be performed by Dr. Keith Meister, the team physician for the Texas Rangers.
The 29-year-old López, who turns 30 early next month, ended a bullpen session early during the Twins' first full-squad workout on Monday. At the time, first-year manager Derek Shelton expressed optimism that the issue might be minor. "I was hopeful the move was precautionary," Shelton said, according to reports from the team's spring training facility in Fort Myers.
However, those hopes were dashed the following day when general manager Jeremy Zoll informed reporters of the severity of the injury. Zoll confirmed the diagnosis of a torn UCL, which typically requires the reconstructive elbow surgery known as Tommy John. This marks the second time López will endure the procedure; he first had it as a minor leaguer in the Seattle Mariners organization, missing the entire 2014 season.
López has been a cornerstone of the Twins' rotation since joining the team. He served as the opening-day starter for the past three seasons and was set to reprise that role in the upcoming campaign. The injury also derails his plans to represent Venezuela in next month's World Baseball Classic, where he was expected to pitch for his national team.
The Twins acquired López in a trade with the Miami Marlins prior to the 2023 season, sending prospects in exchange for the established starter. In his debut year with Minnesota, López earned his first All-Star selection and played a pivotal role in the team's postseason success. He went 2-0 with an impressive 0.71 ERA in two starts during the 2023 playoffs, helping the Twins snap a franchise-record 18-game losing streak in the postseason—the longest such skid in North American professional sports history.
Prior to the trade, López spent five seasons with the Marlins, making his major league debut in 2018. Over his career, he has compiled a 59-53 record with a 3.81 ERA in 189 appearances. Last season, a shoulder injury sidelined him after just 14 starts, a sharp contrast to his previous three years where he made 32 starts each time and won 10 games per season—the first of those coming in his final year with Miami.
In the current year, López posted a 5-4 record with a 2.74 ERA before the injury cut his season short. He is earning $21.75 million this season under a contract that runs through next year, making his absence a significant blow to the Twins' payroll and pitching depth.
The timing of the injury, coming just as spring training ramps up, adds to the challenges for a Twins team looking to build on recent playoff appearances. Minnesota reached the American League Division Series in both 2023 and the prior year, but López's reliability in the rotation was key to those efforts. Without him, the team will need to lean on other starters like Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober, while potentially turning to the minors or free agency for reinforcements.
Dr. Meister, who will perform the surgery, is a renowned orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in treating MLB pitchers. His involvement underscores the Twins' commitment to top-tier medical care, though recovery from Tommy John surgery typically takes 12 to 18 months. For López, who already navigated a long rehab after his first procedure, the road back could be even more arduous at this stage of his career.
Team officials have not detailed how the tear occurred, but it surfaced during routine spring activities. The Twins' medical staff acted swiftly upon discovering the issue, opting for surgery to ensure long-term health. "We're disappointed for Pablo, but confident in his ability to come back strong," Zoll said in a statement released by the club.
López's journey to this point has been marked by resilience. Drafted by the Mariners in the 27th round out of high school in Florida, he rose through the minors despite the early elbow setback. His trade to Miami in 2017 as part of a deal involving Dee Gordon accelerated his path to the majors, where he quickly established himself as a workhorse starter.
In Minnesota, López adapted seamlessly to the pressures of a contender. His 2023 performance, including a no-hitter against the Royals in May, highlighted his potential as a staff ace. The Twins' front office viewed him as a foundational piece, extending his contract to provide stability through 2025.
The broader implications for the Twins extend beyond the mound. With López out, the team's pursuit of another playoff berth will test their depth and adaptability. Spring training games begin soon, and manager Shelton will have to adjust rotations on the fly, possibly promoting prospects like David Festa or Simeon Woods Richardson.
As López prepares for surgery, support from teammates and fans has poured in. The pitcher, known for his thoughtful approach and community involvement, issued a brief statement via social media: "Tough news, but I'm ready to tackle rehab and come back better." His determination, forged through past injuries, offers hope for a successful return.
For now, the Twins focus on the season ahead, while López embarks on what could be his most challenging recovery yet. The baseball world watches, knowing that pitchers like him often emerge stronger from such trials, ready to reclaim their spot in the rotation.