FORT MYERS, Fla. — Minnesota Twins’ All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan is anticipated to be ready for the start of the upcoming season despite experiencing inflammation in his lower back. After reporting tightness that caused him to miss his spring game start on Saturday, Ryan underwent an MRI that showed only inflammation without more serious injury.
Team’s Plan for Ryan’s Recovery and Outlook for Season Start
Jeremy Zoll, the Twins’ general manager, confirmed that Ryan will rest for several days to allow the inflammation to subside. Zoll said,
“He’s just dealing with some inflammation and as a result has some tightness,”
and added,
“So he’ll be down for a few days here just to let things calm down. We’ll progress him as tolerated and don’t envision this impacting his readiness for opening day.”
Impact of Pablo López’s Injury on Twins’ Rotation
The update on Ryan is critical following the loss of the Twins’ ace pitcher Pablo López, who was ruled out for the season due to a significant tear in his right ulnar collateral ligament. This leaves greater responsibility on Ryan, who posted a 13-10 record with a 3.42 ERA in 2025 and earned his first All-Star selection.
Uncertain Participation in World Baseball Classic
While Ryan is expected to start the MLB season without delay, the inflammation in his lower back casts uncertainty on his availability for Team USA at the upcoming World Baseball Classic. His status for that international tournament remains unclear as the team monitors his recovery.
Significance for the Twins and Future Outlook
As the Twins face the season without López, Ryan’s health and preparedness have become even more vital to the team’s success. His quick recovery from this setback is essential for maintaining stability in the starting rotation. The team’s cautious approach to his back inflammation aims to ensure he can meet the demands of the season opener and potentially represent Team USA if he recovers in time.
