Twins ace Pablo López is facing a challenging road to recovery. The 2025 season, which was cut short due to a series of injuries, has now taken a turn for the worse. López, who signed a four-year, $73.5 million contract extension during the 2023 season, has been diagnosed with 'significant tearing' in the ulnar collateral ligament of his right elbow. This diagnosis means he is likely to undergo Tommy John reconstructive surgery, a procedure that can be a game-changer for pitchers, but also a long and arduous recovery process. López's early exit from a live batting-practice session on Monday due to elbow soreness was followed by an MRI that confirmed the tear. The Twins are seeking a second opinion before making a decision on surgery, which would be López's second Tommy John procedure. Despite the setback, López's contract extension and his potential to bounce back remain a topic of interest. His 2025 season was marred by injuries, including hamstring, right shoulder, and mid-right forearm strains, which led to three stints on the injured list. This new development, however, could significantly impact his future with the Twins.
