Cole Sands to miss remainder of 2026 after arthroscopic right elbow surgery

The Minnesota Twins moved to put a clear timeline on a difficult stretch for right-hander Cole Sands on Tuesday, announcing that he will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right elbow and will not return to the mound in 2026. The club’s update also places Sands on a recovery path that runs through the end of the current season, with the expectation that he will not pitch again until 2027.

Sands’ elbow trouble has been a season-long obstacle. Minnesota said he has battled right elbow issues since the end of April, a period that, for a starting or bullpen arm, can disrupt routine, workload and the ability to build consistent command. The decision to proceed with surgery indicates that the problem did not resolve sufficiently with conservative treatment or management.

According to the Twins’ announcement, Sands will have arthroscopic surgery performed on Tuesday. Arthroscopy is often used to address specific structural problems within a joint, and in this case the intent is to correct the underlying elbow issue rather than continue to compete while limiting output. Along with the surgery, the team said Sands will receive a PRP injection.

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a treatment option sometimes used as part of a broader recovery plan for soft-tissue and joint-related injuries. Minnesota’s inclusion of PRP in the announcement underscores that the club is treating this as more than a short-term setback, combining a mechanical fix with a rehab-centered approach aimed at improving the elbow’s ability to tolerate pitching stress.

The timeline matters for the Twins’ pitching picture in the second half and going into the offseason. With Sands sidelined for the remainder of 2026, Minnesota will need to rely on its other rotation options and leverage arms to cover innings and keep bullpen usage within a manageable range during a stretch that often determines playoff positioning. An absence that extends into 2027 also increases the urgency of building reliable depth, since the club cannot simply plan for a midseason return next year.

For Sands personally, this is the latest chapter in a season that began with hope of regular contributions but became defined by elbow limitations. Even with a successful procedure, returning to a pitching workload typically takes time, because command, velocity and pitch-shape depend on rebuilding strength and confidence in the injured joint. The Twins’ announcement, paired with the “out until 2027” expectation, suggests the organization is prioritizing long-term health over any late-season attempt to push through.

Minnesota will now turn toward the rehab phase, where monitoring how the elbow responds to surgery and PRP will guide the next steps. Fans and the organization alike will be watching for milestones that indicate progress, such as an improved pain profile and the ability to ramp throwing intensity without setbacks. Sands’ timeline also becomes a reference point for how the Twins manage other pitchers who have dealt with workload issues, especially as the club moves deeper into evaluation for 2027 planning.