Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo López has a torn elbow ligament and “surgery is very much on the table” according to Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll who provided an update on the Twins ace Tuesday in Fort Myers, Florida.
According to the team, they are seeking a second opinion on the injury, but if surgery is needed, which looks likely, it would end his season just days into spring training.
"So, obviously, that's really disappointing news and really feel for Pablo, as everyone knows his work ethic, how much he cares about his body and his preparation," Zoll explained to reporters in Florida Tuesday. "He is second to none, and a huge blow for him. And he's understandably quite disappointed."
López ended a bullpen session early on Monday over what manager Derek Shelton said was “a little bit of elbow soreness.” He was then sent out for an MRI on the elbow.
López said he's navigating a lot of emotions, but the second opinion will help give them a clear path forward.
"Obviously hearing the news was not pleasant at all, but hearing something, even if it's bad, it's better than not hearing anything at all," he explained.
López says they are hoping surgery isn't necessary but also called that a 'dangerous game.'
"I think the second opinion is more to shed a light where there might be a little gray area, a gray area being there's a substantial enough tear, I guess," López explained. "That we're seeing where a procedure could happen."
López, who turns 30 next month, threw two-plus innings before shutting things down. He was considered ahead of schedule in preparations to join Venezuela for the World Baseball Classic.
López has been the opening day starter for the Twins the past three seasons. He was limited to 75 2/3 innings last year, with three stints on the injured list for hamstring, shoulder and forearm issues.
The 2023 All-Star had made 32 starts in each season from 2022-24, the first of those with Miami before a pair with Minnesota.
“We decided, out of an abundance of caution, let’s get him off, let’s get him off the field and make sure he’s OK,” Shelton told reporters at the club's spring training facility. “We’ll get some imaging on it, just because of how important it is and he is to us.”
Lopez was 5-4 with a 2.74 ERA last season. He won 10 games in each of the previous three seasons, capped by a career-best 15 in 2024.
When it comes to Twins players who the team can ill-afford to lose this season, Lopez is at the top of the list.