Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan suffered a back injury that has cast uncertainty over his ability to participate in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The 29-year-old right-hander was removed from his planned spring training start on Saturday due to lower back tightness and was scheduled for an MRI to assess the extent of his condition.
The injury emerged during Ryan’s preparatory exercises. Twins manager Derek Shelton reported,
“It happened during his prep work,”
and added,
“We sent him for imaging just to be sure. … There is day-to-day soreness with everybody, but this is something that came up.”
The precise nature of the injury and how long Ryan might be sidelined remain unknown at this time.
Concerns Over Ryan’s Availability for Team USA at the WBC
Ryan’s injury raises doubts about whether he will be ready to join Team USA for the World Baseball Classic scheduled for March. He was expected to link up with the squad in Houston later this month. Despite the injury, Ryan has maintained that his offseason training did not significantly change to accommodate the WBC timeline.
Reflecting on his preparation earlier this month, Ryan said,
“It didn’t feel like this crazy overhaul in any way,”
and added,
“We just started things a little bit earlier and let the program and the process take care of the rest.”
Coming off his best MLB season, Ryan posted a 13-10 record with a 3.42 ERA and struck out 194 batters over 30 starts. His performance earned him his first All-Star selection, highlighting his importance to both the Twins and Team USA.
Impact of Injury on Twins’ Pitching Staff Amid Other Setbacks
Ryan’s back issue comes on the heels of another significant blow to the Twins’ pitching rotation, as fellow right-hander Pablo Lopez announced he will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Lopez acknowledged the emotional weight of his situation, stating,
“I don’t think its hit me yet,”
and continued,
“It’s sitting definitely heavy. … I think it’s going to hit me harder next week when (surgery) happens and all of that. We knew what we were looking at. I think I’m a pretty realistic person.”
He concluded,
“I know what’s in front of me.”
The setbacks to key pitchers like Ryan and Lopez present challenges for the Twins as the season approaches, impacting both their spring plans and projections for the regular season.
Potential Ramifications for World Baseball Classic and Team USA
Joe Ryan’s uncertain status affects Team USA’s pitching depth ahead of the World Baseball Classic, raising questions about roster adjustments if he is unable to compete. Since Ryan was expected to join the team in Houston, the organization may need to prepare contingency plans while awaiting the MRI results.
As the Twins navigate these pitching concerns, the injury also serves as a reminder of the physical toll endured during spring training and offseason preparation in anticipation of multiple competing demands.
