Credit: Jonah Hinebaugh/Naples Daily News/USA Today Network-Florida / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
First year manager Derek Shelton and his new boss, Tom Pohlad, came into the start of Minnesota Twins spring training slinging optimism like Billy Mays in his prime.
Pohlad has been talking big about winning since he took over a few months ago. He’s also been meeting with everyone associated with the organization, from Target Field staff, to fans, players and coaches — vowing his presence and dedication to the organization (minus the money part, of course).
Meanwhile, Shelton entered camp focusing on fundamentals like he once worked for Tom Kelly, not Rocco Baldelli. But he really caught attention when he kicked off full-squad practices Monday with a rousing clubhouse speech that clearly resonated with players.
🗣️ HUNT THE GOOD pic.twitter.com/5425N734px
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) February 16, 2026
Then later that day, not long after Shelton’s speech, Pablo Lopez left the mound during a live batting practice session with elbow soreness that an MRI later revealed as a torn UCL. Lopez and the Twins quickly announced their intention to seek a second opinion, but season-ending Tommy John surgery was “very much on the table”.
Season-ending surgery a near certainty for Pablo Lopez
Unfortunately, it’s more than that. It doesn’t sound like the Minnesota Twins will make anything official until their ace receives his aforementioned second opinion, but fans should not hold out hope that a miracle might be on the way. Because neither he nor the team are.
Pablo Lopez told reporters (including Bob Nightengale – Star Tribune) yesterday after practice that this second opinion is just a formality. Both he and the Twins fully expect him to go on injured reserve and undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery.
López, the Twins’ Opening Day starter for each of the past three seasons, will seek a second opinion from Dr. Keith Meister in Texas to confirm the “significant tear,” but it’s likely he will require season-ending Tommy John surgery to repair the ligament.
“I already feel I’m letting a lot of people down,” said López, who had hoped to play for Venezuela in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. “I’m letting myself down. I’m letting the Twins down. I’m letting my family down.” Even with a forthcoming second opinion, López fully expects he will undergo reconstructive surgery.
Maybe this is the baseball gods punishing the Minnesota Twins for cutting another $30 million in team payroll this offseason… then trying to sell hope to their fanbase. If so, I’m not a fan, no matter how much the Pohlads might deserve it.
Because neither Pablo Lopez nor the Twins fanbase deserves the fallout from this injury. The 29-year-old was gearing up to play for Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic. This injury hurts their chances next month badly.
Minnesota Twins teammates struggling to grasp reality
Lopez’ injury is so devastating that fans aren’t the only ones struggling to grasp reality. While MN Twins GM Jeremy Zoll tried to spin it as an opportunity for young arms in a deep staff to step up, Joe Ryan — who will play for Team USA in the WBC — still hasn’t come to terms with the reality of Pablo’s devastating injury.
“To me, it doesn’t feel real, in a sense. It’s just a shock.”
Joe Ryan (via Star Tribune)
Related: Yankees Blocked Former Twins Coach From Returning
Lopez came into spring training feeling healthy after missing most of the 2025 season with hamstring, forearm and shoulder injuries that allowed him to take the mound just 14 times.
When healthy last year, though, Pablo was Pablo, dealing 75.2 innings with 73 strikeouts, just 20 walks, a 2.74 ERA, 156 ERA+ and 3.19 FIP.
Given the unknown of Lopez’ recovery from Tommy John surgyer, combined with the looming MLB lockout next season… it’s possible we have seen Pablo Lopez pitch his last game as a member of the Minnesota Twins. Let’s hope not.
Mentioned in this article: injury updates Pablo Lopez Tommy John
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