KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Pablo López returned to the mound for the first time in three months after a shoulder muscle injury, a welcome sight to the Minnesota Twins amid more frustrating overall results.

López allowed two runs, six hits and a walk to go with four strikeouts over six innings, and left the game trailing by a run to the Kansas City Royals.

The Twins put the tying run on base multiple times in the late innings but lost 2-1, falling for the fifth straight time. They’re 28-52 since June 5, and their overall record dropped to 62-79. But since the team moved 11 players at the trade deadline, the standings are less of a concern than individual development, along with getting a jump on the 2026 season.

López sustained a Grade 2 strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder, a

See Full Page