A rebound season from the Twins just became a lot more daunting.
Twins starter Pablo Lopez has a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right arm that could result in Tommy John surgery, according to reports.
Lopez will receive a second opinion, according to the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
It’s possible Lopez could attempt to pitch through the injury like others have, but that usually comes with a drop in velocity and sometimes only prevents the inevitable.
Ligament issues usually are solved via surgeries, and Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll told reporters that option is “very much on the table,” according to The Athletic.
Lopez originally experienced discomfort in his right arm Monday after throwing two-plus innings during the team’s first full-squad workout and ultimately underwent an MRI exam.
New manager Derek Shelton didn’t want to dive into the worst-case scenarios Monday, but it’s clear the team now may be without its No. 2 starter this season.
Lopez, who turns 30 next month, is entering his fourth season with the franchise and would be slotted behind ace Joe Ryan in the rotation.
That pairing, if healthy, could help the Twins rebound from last year’s 70-92 season, but Lopez missing the year could instead lead to questions about when Ryan may be traded.
If Lopez undergoes surgery, it would mark his second straight season dealing with injuries.
He made just 14 starts last year to snap a streak of three straights season with 32 starts, missing time due to a shoulder strain in his throwing shoulder and forearm tightness in September.
Forearm tightness can sometimes be a precursor to Tommy John surgery, but he received the green light for a normal offseason, according to The Athletic.
If the Twins plan to replace Lopez via free agency, ex-Red Sox starter Lucas Giolito is available.
The 2026 season marks the third of the four-year, $73.5 million contract Lopez signed with the team that runs through the 2027 season.
He is 31-22 with a 3.68 ERA with the Twins, including last year’s 2.74 ERA.