Overview

• MRI on June 4 confirmed a Grade 2 strain of the teres major muscle in Lopez’s right shoulder that will keep him out 8–12 weeks.
• He must refrain from throwing entirely for at least four weeks before beginning a rehab program and undergoing follow-up evaluation.
• The Twins have placed him on the injured list and are expected to call up a replacement starter—likely David Festa or Simeon Woods Richardson—for their upcoming series.
• Lopez had posted a 5–3 record with a 2.82 ERA over 60.2 innings in 11 starts, making him one of Minnesota’s most reliable rotation arms.
• Manager Rocco Baldelli and Lopez both expressed optimism about a midseason return, though Lopez said the mental side of rehabbing will be his biggest hurdle.