Twins’ Pablo López to Undergo Second Tommy John Surgery, Ending 2026 Season
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Minnesota Twins ace Pablo López will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, sidelining him for the entire 2026 season. The announcement, confirmed by the team on Friday, February 21, 2026, follows a second opinion and further examination that revealed a significant tear in his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL).1
Second Tommy John Procedure for López
This marks the second time López will require the reconstructive procedure. He previously underwent Tommy John surgery as a minor leaguer in 2014 whereas with the Seattle Mariners organization.2 The surgery will be performed on Wednesday by Dr. Keith Meister at his office in Texas.1
Injury Details and Timeline
López first felt discomfort in his elbow during a live batting practice session on Monday, February 17, 2026, and exited the mound after just two pitches.2 An MRI subsequently revealed the UCL tear, making surgery the likely course of action.2
The typical recovery time for pitchers following Tommy John surgery is approximately 12 months, meaning López is expected to miss the entirety of the 2026 season and potentially start pitching again early in the 2027 season.1
López’s Impact on the Twins
López has been a key contributor to the Twins’ pitching staff since being traded from the Miami Marlins. He was an All-Star selection in his first year with Minnesota and played a crucial role in ending the team’s 18-game postseason losing streak in 2023, posting a 2-0 record with a 0.71 ERA in two playoff starts.3 He had been the Twins’ opening-day starter for the past three seasons.
Contract Status and Future Outlook
López is currently in the second year of a contract that pays him $21.75 million this season and extends through the 2025 season.3 While the long-term implications of a second Tommy John surgery are uncertain, recent advancements in surgical techniques have shown promising results for pitchers returning to form after the procedure.1
“The hope is there, the numbers are there,” López said. “Then it’s the element where I have to put in the work and show up every day.”1
Twins’ Response and Next Steps
The Twins are now faced with the challenge of filling the void left by López in their pitching rotation. The team has already been adding pitchers to their bullpen mix in recent weeks.1 It remains to be seen whether the Twins will pursue additional pitching options through free agency or trades to bolster their staff for the 2026 season.