Twins' Pablo Lopez Out for Season, and May Have to Wait Till 2028 to Pitch Again

On Tuesday, Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll said Lopez had a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament. After getting a second opinion, Lopez will now undergo season-ending surgery that could potentially keep him out until 2028.

Major League Baseball is increasingly facing the prospect of lost games or potentially an entire lost season due to labor strife. Owners are reportedly pushing to institute a salary cap, which the players' union has so far been vehemently against. With the sides seemingly far apart in negotiations on the CBA, which expires following the 2026 season, there is growing concern that the entire 2027 season could be in jeopardy.

Lopez, 29, dealt with shoulder issues last season, which saw him miss several months in the middle of the season. He ended up returning for several games in September before a right forearm strain ended his return in mid-September. He finished the season with a 2.74 ERA in 14 starts.

With Lopez now missing the 2026 season, righty Joe Ryan steps into the No. 1 starter role for the organization heading into the season. Behind him will be a mix of Bailey Ober, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, Simeon Woods Richardson, and Zebby Matthews.