The Minnesota Twins encountered another pitching challenge on Saturday when Joe Ryan was removed from the starting lineup just before the team’s Grapefruit League opener against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers, Florida. Ryan was set to make his spring training debut but was sidelined due to low back tightness on his right side, leading to Eston Stull replacing him roughly 15 minutes before the 1:05 p.m. ET first pitch.
This setback comes at a difficult time for the Twins, who are still absorbing the news that their ace starter, Pablo López, will miss the entire 2026 season following a second Tommy John surgery. López, aged 30, suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament during his first bullpen session of spring training just days before Ryan’s injury was announced.
The Growing Role of Joe Ryan in Minnesota’s Rotation
With López sidelined, Joe Ryan’s role has become increasingly vital for Minnesota‘s pitching staff. The 28-year-old right-hander delivered a breakout performance last year, pitching 171 innings with a 3.44 ERA. His command was impressive, evidenced by a 28.2% strikeout rate combined with an outstanding 5.7% walk rate, leveraging his 93.6 mph fastball’s effectiveness through solid control and deception.
Despite this success, Ryan’s durability has been a recurring concern due to multiple injury-related absences in 2023 and 2024. The Twins had placed a great deal of hope on him to stabilize their rotation, particularly after losing López, making this new back issue all the more worrying for the organization’s pitching outlook.
Impact on Team USA and World Baseball Classic Participation
Ryan’s injury also casts uncertainty on his participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Anticipated to be a key arm for Team USA, any prolonged recovery period could disrupt those plans. Minnesota has not specified a timetable for his return, referring only to the condition as “low back tightness.”
As a result, the depth of the Twins’ rotation looks markedly different than preseason expectations. While pitchers like Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson are poised to secure spots, the team may need to consider other options. Veteran pitchers such as Lucas Giolito and former Twin Zack Littell remain unsigned but could offer additional stability if needed.
Challenges Facing Minnesota’s Playoff Hopes
The injuries to López and Ryan underscore the tenuous nature of Minnesota’s hopes to compete for a championship. After a disappointing 70-92 record last season and offloading talent at the trade deadline, the organization had relied heavily on a revival fueled by young arms. However, projections from FanGraphs now estimate only a 26% chance that the Twins will reach the playoffs this year.
Minnesota faces difficult decisions as the season progresses. Ryan, still under team control for two more years, has been mentioned in trade speculation for over a year. Should the Twins falter early, he could emerge as one of the most sought-after starting pitchers on the trade market.
For the time being, the Twins must hope Ryan’s back problem is short-lived and that their remaining starting pitchers perform reliably. Competing in the American League Central, where consistency is vital, Minnesota cannot afford additional injuries to an already thin rotation.
