Sports · Baseball · 6 hrs ago
Pablo López Targets Spring Training Return After Elbow Procedure
Twins right-hander Pablo López is working back from February elbow surgery and hopes to return in Spring Training.
He resumed playing catch in August, and an Opening Day roster spot is possible if his recovery stays on track.
López had an internal brace procedure rather than full Tommy John surgery, which has a shorter recovery timeline.
This is his second Tommy John-related operation; his first came in 2013 while he was a minor leaguer in Seattle’s system.
His return could strengthen Minnesota’s rotation, which had mixed results and ranked 22nd in ERA.
If López is not ready for Opening Day, the Twins could consider Zebby Matthews, Mick Abel if healthy, or Kendry Rojas for a rotation spot.
López says he will need to monitor his body closely as he moves into spring training.
Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez is targeting a return in Spring Training after an elbow procedure.
He returned to playing catch in August as he continued his recovery.
Lopez had an internal brace procedure rather than full Tommy John surgery, which has a shorter recovery timeline.
His recovery could make a place on the Opening Day roster possible.
Lopez said he will need to monitor his body closely as he returns to pitching.
- Who
- Pablo Lopez, a right-handed pitcher for the Minnesota Twins.
- What
- He is targeting a return in Spring Training after an elbow procedure.
- When
- He returned to playing catch in August and is targeting Spring Training.
- Where
- With the Minnesota Twins.
- Why
- He is recovering from an elbow procedure and working toward a return to pitching.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Lopez had his first Tommy John surgery as a minor leaguer in Seattle’s system.
His recovery from that surgery wiped out his season.
Lopez underwent an internal brace procedure on his elbow.
He returned to playing catch.
Lopez is targeting a return to the Twins.
- Procedure
- Internal brace procedure, not full Tommy John surgery
- Playing catch
- Resumed in August
- Target return
- Spring Training
- Earlier surgery
- First Tommy John surgery came in 2013
- Potential roster outcome
- Opening Day roster spot is possible
What people are saying
In my case, chronologically speaking, I’m going to go straight into spring training, straight into the fire
I’m going to have to find ways to make sure that I’m listening to my body, make sure I’m keeping an eye on things that I didn’t have to experience with my first Tommy John because I was done with rehab, and I had a normal offseason where I had rest and recovered