The Minnesota Twins received reassuring news on Sunday regarding All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan, as an MRI showed only inflammation in his lower back, sparing the team from a more severe setback. At age 29, Ryan experienced tightness that forced him to miss Saturday’s spring training start, but he is now expected to be ready for Opening Day.
General Manager Jeremy Zoll shared this update from Fort Myers, detailing that Ryan will rest a few days to allow the inflammation to subside.
He’s just dealing with some inflammation and as a result has some tightness,
Zoll told reporters.
We’ll progress him as tolerated and don’t envision this impacting his readiness for Opening Day.
Joe Ryan’s Significance to Minnesota’s Pitching Staff
Ryan’s health is particularly vital as he is poised to serve as the Twins’ Opening Day starter following his breakthrough All-Star campaign in 2025, when he recorded a 13-10 win-loss tally and a 3.42 ERA. His rise has cemented him as the pitching staff’s foundation.
Previously with the Rays, Ryan signed a $6.2 million contract this offseason to avoid arbitration, underscoring his growing value. His reliability in the rotation gains critical importance now, especially after the loss of ace Pablo López, who will miss the entire 2026 season due to Tommy John surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament.
Ryan addressed fans and media on Sunday, expressing concern but also taking responsibility:
I’m sorry to scare everyone,
Ryan told reporters. While the inflammation does not jeopardize his Opening Day availability, it raises questions about his potential participation in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Pressing Rotation Needs Amid Injuries
With López sidelined and Ryan nursing his condition, the Twins must lean heavily on their starting rotation depth. Bailey Ober is expected to fill the critical number-two starter slot, facing pressure to deliver steady performances early in the season.
The team’s younger arms—Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, and David Festa, all 25-year-old right-handers—have accumulated 98 combined starts over the last two seasons and represent promising pieces for the rotation’s future stability.
Additionally, recent acquisitions Taj Bradley and Mick Abel provide manager Rocco Baldelli with important options, though the staff will need to prove its durability as the year begins. Given Ryan’s favorable MRI, the Twins can avoid entering the 2026 campaign severely undermanned.
Minnesota’s chances for a playoff berth have diminished considerably after López’s injury, with projections dropping their postseason probability to around 26%. Thus, Ryan’s health is more crucial than ever, as any prolonged absence could further threaten the team’s competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: Implications for the Twins’ Season
The positive MRI enables the Twins to hold on to their rotation plans without immediate adjustment, providing a measure of stability during an otherwise tense spring training period. Ryan’s availability bolsters Minnesota’s hopes of maintaining a competitive edge despite significant challenges in the pitching staff.
As Opening Day draws near, closely monitoring Ryan’s recovery and the performance of the supporting pitchers like Ober, Woods Richardson, Matthews, Festa, Bradley, and Abel will be essential for the Twins’ ability to navigate a demanding season ahead.
