The Minnesota Twins have officially placed starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The team recalled right-handed pitched David Festa in a corresponding move. It was the expected route for the team after Lopez left his last start against the Kansas City Royals early after tweaking his hamstring in the fifth inning. It's unfortunate news for the 29-year-old, who had compiled a strong 1.62 ERA and 1.02 WHIP in 16 2/3 innings. The move is retroactive to Wednesday, and the hope is that Lopez will only require a minimum stay on the injured list. So long as he does not suffer any setbacks, he should be pitching again in a few weeks.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez's MRI confirmed that he is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and is expected to be placed on the 15-day IL, according to manager Rocco Baldelli. Lopez was pulled from his last start early after he felt tightness in his right hamstring. The 29-year-old was in the midst of a strong start to the season, allowing three earned runs in 16 2/3 IP (1.62 ERA), with a 1.02 WHIP, and a 2:14 BB:K. While it's a blow to the Twins' rotation, at least it isn't a more serious injury, and thankfully, the Twins have a couple of good pitchers waiting in the minors to be called up if needed. Both David Festa and Zebby Matthews pitched last season for Minnesota and could be called upon again. Festa finished 2024 strong for the Twins but has started slow at Triple-A this season, however, Matthews' most recent start saw him strike out nine batters in just four innings of work, so perhaps he is the one who will get the first crack. If either one is called up, both are worthy roster additions in deep leagues for their strong strikeout stuff and solid command.
An MRI exam confirmed that Minnesota Twins right-hander Pablo Lopez (hamstring) is dealing with a mild hamstring strain, according to the team. Although nothing is official, The Athletic's Dan Hayes' best guess is that Lopez won't be ready to make his next start due to the Twins often erring on the side of caution with injuries. The 29-year-old was pulled from his start early on Tuesday against the Kansas City Royals with right-hamstring tightness and had an MRI exam on Wednesday. While it's good news the injury is a mild one, fantasy managers should prepare for the possibility of Lopez missing at least his next start, which is scheduled to come this weekend against the division-rival Detroit Tigers. The Venezuelan hurler has been great in his first three starts of 2025, allowing only three runs (two earned) on 15 hits while walking two and striking out 14 in 16 2/3 frames. Check back for another update in a day or two.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez (hamstring) left the game with trainers in the fifth inning while grabbing at the back of his right leg. He was in the middle of a solid outing, giving up one unearned run on three hits and a walk while striking out six over 4 2/3 innings. There has yet to be an official injury designation, but expect an update from the Twins soon. It would hurt to lose the ace of their staff, who is coming off of a 15-win season in 2024 where he posted a 4.08 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. UPDATE: Lopez was diagnosed with right-hamstring tightness.
Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli said that right-hander Pablo Lopez will get the nod for the team on Opening Day in 2025 on March 27 at the St. Louis Cardinals. Lopez, who was a first-time All-Star in his first year in Minnesota in 2023, went 15-10 for the Twins last year with a 4.08 ERA (3.65 FIP) and a 1.19 WHIP with 198 strikeouts and 41 walks in 32 starts. On the surface, he took a step back in 2024 and struggled with allowing home runs, but he pitched better down the stretch and posted a career-high 15 wins. The 28-year-old Venezuelan hurler has been durable in his career and has a pretty decent 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings over 889 1/3 career innings over seven major-league seasons. Lopez is by no means a fantasy ace, but he should have a pretty safe floor as an SP2 for fantasy managers to target in upcoming drafts.
Pablo Lopez Turns In Sixth Straight Quality Start Tuesday
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez continued his stellar second half in Tuesday's 10-5 win over the Angels. Lopez pitched seven innings, allowing four runs (zero earned) on eight hits (including a three-run home run) and a walk with 10 strikeouts. The 28-year-old has turned in a tale of two halves, with a 5.11 ERA and 1.18 WHIP in 19 first-half starts but a 1.93 ERA and 1.06 WHIP in 10 second-half starts. His success has been fueled by six consecutive quality starts. Lopez will have a decent chance to extend that streak in his next start, which will be a middling matchup at the Guardians.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez was able to hold the Texas Rangers offense in check during Sunday's game. The right-hander tossed six shutout innings while allowing six hits and striking out three batters in a no-decision. Lopez left the game at 107 pitches and with a four-run lead. Sadly for Lopez, the Twins bullpen coughed by the lead by giving up five runs in the seventh inning. Lopez has been fantastic on the mound over the last few months. He holds a 2.91 ERA across his last 10 starts, so he'll be a strong fantasy option for his next outing against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez put together a quality outing on the mound during Wednesday's win over the New York Mets. Lopez took some damage early on as he allowed a two-run home run to Mark Vientos in the second inning. After that, though, Lopez threw four scoreless innings with seven total strikeouts in the victory. The home run ball has been a problem for Lopez this season, but the 28-year-old has been solid outside of that. He'll take a 4.65 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 142/28 K/BB into his next start against the Chicago Cubs in a favorable matchup for fantasy managers.
Pablo Lopez Throws Seven Strong Innings, Picks Up Win
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez was strong on Friday night, going seven innings deep and striking out seven in the Twins 9-3 win over the Detroit Tigers. Lopez picked up the win and improved his record to 9-7 while lowering his ERA to 4.73 on the season. After a spotty run in the middle of the season, the 28-year-old has now thrown three straight games of giving up two earned runs or less. While his strikeout numbers have not been as flashy as fantasy managers are used to lately, Lopez may be starting to turn a corner. With a 3.39 xERA to go along with his 4.73 ERA, the righty has positive regression coming his way. Fantasy managers with Lopez in their lineups should continue to trust him. His next scheduled start is set for Wednesday at Citi Field against the New York Mets.
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez was strong on the mound during Saturday's outing against the Seattle Mariners. The right-hander recorded nine strikeouts while allowing only one run over six innings of work in the win. This is now back-to-back outings that Lopez has recorded at least nine strikeouts and allowed just one run over his last 14 innings. He'll hope to keep the good times rolling ahead of his next start against the Houston Astros.
Pablo López
• SP
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Twins
