A lot of the Minnesota Twins' misfortunes this season can be traced back to when Pablo Lopez was placed on the IL at the start of June with a shoulder strain. The Twins were fresh off an 18-8 record in May, and keeping pace with the Detroit Tigers at the top of the American League Central. Things have gone dramatically different for the Twins since then, including a fire sale at the MLB trade deadline.
Despite the Twins waving the white flag on the season, it seems that the team is moving forward with their original plan for Lopez. The initial diagnosis was that Lopez would be sidelined 8-12 weeks, and in speaking with reporters over the weekend, the veteran starting pitcher confirmed he is still on track.
Lopez has returned to throwing off a mound, and within the next week, the expectation is that he will face live hitters in batting practice. There remains a relatively lengthy minor-league rehab assignment in Lopez's future, but he should find his way back to the Major League level before the end of the season.
“Crossing that finish line being healthy is the number one priority,” López said. “Making sure, whenever our last game of the year is, I’m able to walk into the offseason and have a good, normal offseason. But then the second-most priority, for me, I want to squeeze in as many starts as possible.”
Healthy Pablo Lopez might be the Twins’ biggest trade asset
Had Lopez been healthy at the trade deadline, chances are the Twins' front office would have looked to move him. After all, the Twins' front office was looking to move just about everyone. With the Twins likely entertaining the idea of trading Joe Ryan this offseason, chances are Lopez can be added to that conversation, assuming he finishes the season healthy.
Like Ryan, Lopez is under control through the 2027 season, and the market of interested teams will extend beyond just the buyers who were there at this season's trade deadline. Teams, of course, will want to see Lopez healthy before making a deal for him, considering they also have the option of waiting until next season's trade deadline to make a move for him.