KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Just before facing Royals star Bobby Witt in a crucial moment in the bottom of the fifth inning Tuesday night, Twins ace Pablo López exited the game with what the Twins are calling hamstring tightness in his right leg.
López, who has never missed a start with the Twins since joining them in 2023, walked off with head athletic trainer Nick Paparesta after a brief conversation after appearing to grab and stretch his right leg.
Manager Rocco Baldelli handed the ball to right-hander Cole Sands to face Witt with runners at first and second and two outs, and the score tied 1-1.
After Sands warmed up entirely on the game mound as is customary, Witt walked to load the bases. Sands went to a full count on Vinnie Pasquantino, who lined a fly ball to fairly deep right for the third out on the 10th pitch of the at-bat.
Sands left after a pair of stressful at-bats, giving way to right-hander Jorge Alcalá in the bottom of the seventh.
López allowed a run and three hits with a walk, striking out six over 4⅔ innings. Facing 19 batters, he threw 78 pitches, 50 for strikes. López, the club’s Opening Day starter for three seasons, has a 1.62 ERA in 16⅔ innings this season.
He matched Royals left-hander Cole Ragans, almost pitch for pitch, with Ragans striking out 11 through six innings.
Related Articles
Twins pitcher Pablo López lends his time to young prospects
Leave a Reply