Twins Ace Pablo López Diagnosed with Grade 2 Teres Major Strain: How Long Will He Be Out?

[Lucas Seehafer PT]

Image courtesy of © Dennis Lee-Imagn Images

The Twins received tough news Wednesday night, when an MRI revealed that starting pitcher Pablo López suffered a Grade 2 teres major strain. Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that the Twins expect López to miss the next 8-12 weeks.

Unfortunately, the Twins' starting rotation isn't unfamiliar with this injury. It's the same one that ended Joe Ryan's 2024 campaign last August. The teres major is a muscle located at the back of the shoulder, running from the shoulder blade to the front of the humerus, or upper arm bone. Its role is to extend and internally rotate the arm; in layman's terms, it's an important muscle for throwing a baseball at a high velocity. This is the same role as the latissimus dorsi, more commonly referred to as the lat, and the two muscles are located right next to each other. Without imaging, such as an MRI, it can be difficult to differentiate between an injury in the two muscles; hence the initial diagnosis of a lat strain.

"Grade 2" simply means that the injury is of moderate severity. From a technical standpoint, it means that a significant amount of muscle fibers were torn, though the overall integrity of the muscle remains intact. This is not an injury that requires surgery, but it's not uncommon for athletes to receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in an attempt to aid the healing process. 

According to Baseball Prospectus's Recovery Dashboard, the average time to return to play following a teres major strain is 78 days, and the median is 73. That's right in line with the Twins' estimated timeline, though on the longer end of it.

Grade 2 strains are generally a months-long injury, regardless of the muscle involved, which is in line with the Twins' 8-12 week prognosis, though it will also take some time for López to build back up after being on the shelf. According to Hayes, López is not expected to throw for at least four weeks, which is typical for this type of injury.

While this is undeniably a tough blow for López and the Twins, as long as the recovery goes well, there shouldn't be too much of a concern long-term. As previously stated, this is the same injury suffered by Joe Ryan last season, and he has been among the best pitchers in baseball this season. Given a smooth recovery, López should return by sometime in August or September, in plenty of time for a Twins playoff push. That's a long time from now, though, and his absence will be deeply felt as the trade deadline approaches.

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[Patzky]

I may be mistaken but I think I recall reading that this was a very unusual injury to get when Joe Ryan suffered it last year. What are the odds.. maybe I don't want to ask..

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

15 minutes ago, Patzky said:

I may be mistaken but I think I recall reading that this was a very unusual injury to get when Joe Ryan suffered it last year. What are the odds.. maybe I don't want to ask..

It may be odd, but would rather take this than Tommy Johns.  If our approach is putting more strain on the back but less on the arm and elbow, I am ok with that tradeoff.  

[jkcarew]

Well, I guess it’s a good time not to have traded Paddack.

[Linus]

I enjoy these articles. Thanks. 

[mickster]

See you in September Pablo

[Twins_Fan_in_NJ]

Knock on wood a million times that Ober, Ryan and Paddack stay healthy - IF they do, then that's a top of the rotation that can get the Twins into the post-season.

I love Festa's stuff and I think he will be fine. Problem with him and Matthews - they need to pitch deeper into games - admittedly, the same can be said for Ober and Ryan but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they will do just that - but the Twins can't afford to have two games a week where they need to use 4-5 relievers. 

[mnfireman]

Will the Twins be pro-active and place him on the 60 day IL immediately, allowing them 40-man flexibility or will they wait. I understand it's a mere formality to move a player from the 10 or 15 day IL to the 60 day, but given the 8-12 week time frame I am just wondering how they will move forward.

[CRF]

Hopefully, Pablo's back to 100% for the stretch run and playoffs.

[tarheeltwinsfan]

Rats !

[Parfigliano]

19 minutes ago, tarheeltwinsfan said:

Rats !

This news is definitely not A Tonic For the Troops

[Mike Sixel]

As always, informative. Thank you.

[stringer bell]

Thanks for the expert information. 

[stringer bell]

2 hours ago, mnfireman said:

Will the Twins be pro-active and place him on the 60 day IL immediately, allowing them 40-man flexibility or will they wait. I understand it's a mere formality to move a player from the 10 or 15 day IL to the 60 day, but given the 8-12 week time frame I am just wondering how they will move forward.

It makes zero sense to use the 60-day IL until a 40-man spot is needed. With Lopez’ injury the Twins can add a player without exposing someone to the DFA process. 

[tony&rodney]

September 14 - Pablo takes the ball at Target Field versus the Arizona Diamondbacks.

[h2oface]

8 hours ago, Twins_Fan_in_NJ said:

I love Festa's stuff and I think he will be fine. Problem with hime and Matthews - they need to pitch deeper into games - 

Yup. For games that Festa and Alcala and Funderburk and a position player throw a game away. Its that pitching pipeline.

Hey, it wasn't Matthews that qiut after 77 pitches yesterday. He was a victim of Baldelli Ball.

[Doctor Gast]

Lopez was the last person I expected to get hurt. He's had 3 consecutive 180+ innings seasons & is on route for his 4th. Everybody has their limits. IMO, SP could be better conserved. MIA like to push their SPs towards 200 innings but also suffer from injuries. I'd like to get away from that.

[Taildragger8791]

21 hours ago, mnfireman said:

Will the Twins be pro-active and place him on the 60 day IL immediately, allowing them 40-man flexibility or will they wait. I understand it's a mere formality to move a player from the 10 or 15 day IL to the 60 day, but given the 8-12 week time frame I am just wondering how they will move forward.

There's no reason to do it until you need the 40-man spot, because when he returns you'll have to boot someone off the 40-man again.