Pablo Lopez to Target Twins Return in Spring Training

Minnesota's pitcher eyes a return to the roster following an elbow procedure performed in February 2026.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Baseball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a baseball pitcher in motion, rendered in navy blue, white, and red. — Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo Lopez is expected to return to the starting rotation for the 2027 season after recovering from an elbow procedure. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Pablo Lopez is expected to be available for the 2027 Opening Day roster as he targets a return for Spring Training 2027. This follows an internal brace elbow procedure the pitcher underwent in February 2026.

Why it matters

Lopez aims to bolster the Minnesota Twins starting rotation after the pitching staff struggled during the 2026 season. His availability is critical for the team as they look to improve upon their performance from the previous year.

The Minnesota Twins pitching staff finished the 2026 season ranked 22nd in ERA across the league. Meanwhile, Dean Kremer anchored his spot with a 3.48 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP.

The players

Pablo Lopez

He is a professional baseball pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who has previously navigated elbow recovery.

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota-based Major League Baseball franchise seeks to improve its starting rotation rankings after a 22nd place finish in 2026.

Dean Kremer

A pitcher for the Minnesota Twins who recorded a 3.48 ERA in 2026 and is projected to hold a rotation spot next season.

The details

Lopez began the process of playing catch in August 2026 as part of his recovery from the internal brace procedure, which offers a shorter timeline than the Tommy John surgery he received in 2013. The team also plans to integrate Dean Kremer into the rotation following adjustments to his pitch mix.

Pablo Lopez underwent Tommy John surgery in 2013.
The internal brace elbow procedure took place in February 2026.
Lopez resumed playing catch in August 2026.
The target for his return to the field is Spring Training 2027.

Season Trajectory

The return of a healthy Pablo Lopez shifts the outlook for the Minnesota Twins' 2027 season by addressing the rotation gaps from 2026. This move balances the rotation alongside Dean Kremer, impacting the overall competitive standing of the team.

The return of Pablo Lopez directly impacts the starting rotation math for the Minnesota Twins heading into the 2027 campaign. Fantasy owners and fans should note that Dean Kremer is already projected to occupy a rotation spot alongside him.

The takeaway

Advancements in internal brace procedures are allowing pitchers to return to competition faster than legacy Tommy John surgeries. Players looking to maintain long-term durability should focus on the recovery timelines provided by modern medical interventions.