The Minnesota Twins received an encouraging reminder about their 2027 rotation this weekend. Pablo Lopez remained a possible early-season addition after a year lost to elbow surgery.

The Twins should welcome that outlook without treating his return as a completed transaction. Bobby Nightengale reported Saturday that Lopez hoped to receive clearance around the beginning of March. That would leave a limited window to prepare for the regular schedule.

Minnesota’s offseason decisions should reflect both possibilities: Lopez could restore an established starter to the staff, or his preparation could require more time. Trading away useful innings before that distinction becomes clearer would increase the cost of a setback.

A Return Target Still Leaves Work Ahead

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Pablo Lopez. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

MLB’s Sept. 27 update projected November mound work.…