Twins ace Pablo Lopez to undergo surgery on right UCL in Dallas sidelining him for entire 2026 season

The Minnesota Twins received some disappointing news this week when ace pitcher Pablo López was declared out for the entire 2026 Major League Baseball season with a significant elbow injury. The right-hander will have surgery on the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching arm, a procedure that will sideline him until at least 2027. This procedure will be performed in Dallas, allowing him to return to the mound.

The Twins made the announcement after further medical tests discovered the full extent of the ligament damage. The organization had hoped López could rest and rehab and avoid a surgical procedure, but doctors ultimately recommended a complete reconstruction, which effectively ended his 2026 season before it had even started.

Earlier this spring, López reported soreness in his shoulder during a throwing session. Turner had imaging revealing a complete tear of the UCL of his right elbow, and could only attempt a surgical procedure for a reasonable recovery. This procedure, known as Tommy John surgery, involves a recovery time of usually 12 to 15 months, which rules him out for next season.

It will be the second Tommy John surgery of López’s career. Still, he had become one of the more reliable starters in the AL the past couple of seasons; he had relatively good durability, good command, and a good ability to pitch deep into games.

The diagnosis was disappointing but not surprising, team officials said, adding that their focus remains on allowing López to return when the finger is truly healed and not pushing him to do more damage.

López, who wanted to pitch for the Twins and his country both this year, was disappointed with the setback, but by now has turned his attention fully to getting healthy and helping his teammates as the season plays out.

López’s absence creates a big hole at the front of Minnesota’s rotation. He was supposed to be the bulwark for the staff entering 2026 (and beyond), with a rotation that features many unproven or precariously young arms. That absence will allow for greater reliance on others: pitchers like Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson will have to take on bigger roles with him gone.

On a bigger picture view, losing López makes it harder to buy that Minnesota can still compete. The team approached the year competing for a title in a competitive division, but now that the top starter is gone, a burden shifts to the rotation and the bullpen. It might also make the front office look into internal depth options or some sort of mid-season addition.