FORT MYERS, Fla. — A familiar sense of unease has settled over the Minnesota Twins’ spring training camp after right-handed pitcher Pablo López experienced elbow discomfort during a live batting practice session on Monday. The incident, reported by The Athletic’s Dan Hayes, raises concerns about the 29-year-old’s availability for the upcoming season and potentially jeopardizes his participation in the World Baseball Classic for Venezuela.
López, who signed a four-year, $73.5 million contract with the Twins in 2023, was removed from the session after throwing just two pitches into his third inning. The team has scheduled an MRI to determine the extent of the injury, leaving both the organization and Venezuelan national team officials awaiting anxiously for the results. This latest setback adds to a worrying trend for López, who has battled a series of injuries in recent seasons.
The timing of the injury is particularly concerning, coming just 16 days before the start of the World Baseball Classic. López is projected to be a key starter for Venezuela, alongside Ranger Suárez and his absence would significantly weaken the team’s pitching rotation. The Twins, meanwhile, are hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2025 season, which was plagued by injuries to their starting pitchers.
A History of Recent Injuries
This isn’t an isolated incident for López. In 2025, he missed 14 games due to a hamstring strain and then endured a 60-day injured list stint for a right teres major strain in his throwing shoulder, sidelining him for three months. He briefly returned to the mound in September, only to be shut down after just three starts with a right forearm strain.
The Twins’ manager, Derek Shelton, remained cautiously optimistic following Monday’s incident, stating, “It’s some soreness, and we want to be abundantly careful because it’s Feb. 16.” Shelton emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation, adding, “I don’t live in a speculative world. It’s a terrible place to be in this game because we’re always speculating about what’s going to happen or what’s not going to happen.”
Tom Pohlad’s Message Overshadowed
The news of López’s injury cast a shadow over an otherwise positive day at Twins camp. Earlier Monday, new Twins executive chair Tom Pohlad delivered an impassioned speech to the team, emphasizing the importance of communication and accountability within the organization.
What’s Next for López and the Twins
The immediate focus is on the results of the MRI. Until those findings are available, the extent of López’s injury remains unknown. The Twins will undoubtedly proceed with caution, prioritizing the long-term health of their ace. The team’s medical staff will carefully evaluate the MRI results to determine the appropriate course of action, which could range from rest and rehabilitation to more invasive procedures.
For Venezuela, the situation is equally concerning. López’s presence in the World Baseball Classic rotation is crucial, and his absence would force manager Carlos Subero to adjust his plans. The Venezuelan team will be closely monitoring López’s progress and hoping for a swift recovery.
The Twins are scheduled to begin the regular season on March 26. Whether López will be able to take the mound on opening day remains uncertain. The team will provide an update on his condition as soon as the MRI results are available. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, hoping for positive news regarding one of the team’s most important players.
The next official update regarding Pablo López’s condition is expected following the completion of his MRI. The Twins organization has not yet provided a timeline for the release of those results.
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