The situation for Twins pitcher Pablo Lopez has taken a tough turn.
He’s currently dealing with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right arm, and it looks like he might need Tommy John surgery, as noted in recent reports.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press has shared that Lopez is seeking a second opinion on his injury.
There’s a chance he might attempt to pitch through the pain, but that often leads to a decline in performance and doesn’t really change the eventual outcome.
Typically, ligament issues like this lead to surgery, and Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll mentioned that this option is a strong possibility.
Lopez first noticed discomfort during Monday’s team workout after pitching for more than two innings, prompting an MRI scan to investigate further.
New manager Derek Shelton is cautious not to assume the worst, but it’s apparent the team could face losing their second starter for the season.
Lopez, who will be 30 next month, is heading into his fourth year with the Twins and is expected to take his place beside ace Joe Ryan in the lineup. If they’re both healthy, they could help the team recover from last year’s disappointing 70-92 performance. But if Lopez is sidelined, it may raise questions about the team’s plans for Ryan.
If surgery is indeed necessary, it would be yet another injury-plagued season for Lopez. Last year, he only managed to start 14 games, breaking his streak of three seasons with 32 starts — he faced tightness in his pitching shoulder and forearm issues at one point.
Forearm tightness has the potential to lead to Tommy John surgery, but he did receive clearance during the offseason.
If the Twins are looking to fill Lopez’s spot through free agency, former Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito might be on the market.
Lopez is in the third year of a four-year, $73.5 million contract that runs through 2027. His record with the Twins stands at 31-22, with a 3.68 ERA, including an impressive 2.74 ERA last season.
