Pablo Lopez was starting to get in his groove for the 2025 season on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals. Through 4 and 2/3’s inning pitched Lopez allowed just 3 hits and allowed a run, and struck out 6 before spectators noticed that Lopez was showing signs of discomfort with a slight limp.
After making eye contact with shortstop Carlos Correa, Correa visited the mound and after a couple of words were spoken, Correa signaled to the Twins training staff to visit the mound.
Lopez was immediately pulled from the game the Twins would go on to lose 2-1, and left fans wondering what was the future of the Twins’ ace pitcher.
After interviews with Minnesota manager Rocco Baldelli, he disclosed that Lopez was dealing with a hamstring injury, and they would get it checked out before making a decision on what to do with him going forward.
Per reports on Thursday morning, Lopez seems to be heading to the 15-Day Injured List, where he will join infielders Brooks Lee, and Royce Lewis as part of Minnesota key players on the list.
Injuries have been the story of the Minnesota Twins for the last two seasons with multiple injuries to star offensive producers like Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and the consistent injury issues of Royce Lewis, as well as starting pitching when Joe Ryan had his season ended early in 2024.
Minnesota will have to fill a hole in the starting lineup with Lopez out for the *hopefully* short amount of time. Minnesota may have an easy answer to that question with Louis Varland who was in hot debates this offseason and spring on whether or not he should be apart of the starting rotation or the bullpen. Varland has been solid in his outings as a relief man, and may just be the perfect stand in for Lopez until he gets back.
The Twins will finish off their 4 Game series with the Kansas City Royals this afternoon, with Bailey Ober trying to earn a split in the series taking on Kansas City’s Michael Wacha.
Photo Credit: The Norfolk Daily News, the MLB, and the Minnesota Twins.
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