Pablo López Sidelined: Twins Ace to Miss 8–12 Weeks with Shoulder Strain
The Minnesota Twins were dealt a major blow this week with the news that Pablo López, their standout starting pitcher, will be out for 8 to 12 weeks due to a right shoulder strain. The injury, which was confirmed after a thorough medical evaluation, comes at a crucial point in the season as the Twins remain in a heated battle for the AL Central crown.
López, 28, was expected to anchor Minnesota’s rotation this year after signing a four-year, $73.5 million extension in 2023. His absence will leave a significant gap in the team’s pitching staff and could potentially derail the Twins’ momentum if reinforcements don’t step up.
A Sudden Setback
López had started feeling discomfort after his most recent outing, and while initial reports hinted at minor stiffness, an MRI later confirmed the shoulder strain. The team has since placed him on the 15-day injured list, though the recovery timeline makes it clear this will be a much longer absence.
“Any time you lose your ace, it’s tough,” Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said. “Pablo is a competitor, a leader, and someone who gives us a chance to win every five days. We’re going to need everyone to step up.”
The Twins’ medical staff noted that no structural damage was found, which is encouraging. Still, with a recovery estimate of up to three months, López may not return until late August or early September, depending on rehab progress.
Rotation in Flux
López’s absence will put added pressure on Joe Ryan, Bailey Ober, and Chris Paddack, who now move up in the rotation pecking order. Minnesota may also need to dip into its minor league system or consider a trade, especially if the team wants to remain competitive through the dog days of summer.
The injury couldn’t come at a worse time for a club hovering around .500 and trying to gain ground on the Cleveland Guardians and Kansas City Royals in a surprisingly competitive division.
While the Twins have been solid offensively, their pitching staff has leaned heavily on López’s consistency. He held a 3.67 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 81 innings this season—easily their most dependable starter so far.
AL Central Implications
The American League Central is far from a runaway race this year. The Guardians are surging, and the Royals have surprised many with their early-season performance. For the Twins, staying within striking distance until López returns will be critical.
If the front office believes the team has postseason potential, they may explore the trade market for a short-term starter. Names like Michael Lorenzen or Zack Greinke could become mid-season targets, depending on availability and cost.
Alternatively, the Twins might give Simeon Woods Richardson or Louie Varland extended looks, hoping one can provide some stability at the back end of the rotation.
López’s Long-Term Outlook
Despite the disappointing news, there’s optimism that López will return before season’s end—and potentially just in time for a playoff push. The Twins have emphasized a cautious approach, aiming to prevent further damage while ensuring a full recovery.
López has dealt with shoulder issues in the past, which makes this setback especially concerning. However, early reports suggest this is more of a strain than a tear, and no surgical intervention is required.
In the meantime, López will begin a rehab program focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles and improving mobility. Twins fans will be keeping a close eye on progress updates as the summer unfolds.
Fan Reaction and Club Response
On social media, Twins fans expressed frustration and concern over losing their ace in such a pivotal stretch. Many called for immediate action from the front office, while others rallied behind the “next man up” mentality.
The team, for its part, has tried to remain focused and optimistic.
“We’ve got a lot of belief in the guys in that clubhouse,” Baldelli said. “We’re not going to let this define our season.”
Final Thoughts
Injuries are part of the game—but losing a top-tier pitcher like Pablo López for up to three months is a massive challenge for any team, especially one with postseason aspirations. The Twins now face a crucial test: Can they stay afloat without their ace and remain contenders in the AL Central?
All eyes will be on how Minnesota responds. Because in a division that looks more open than expected, even a few weeks without a frontline arm could make—or break—the season.