The Minnesota Twins faced concern when Joe Ryan was removed from his scheduled start last Saturday due to lower back tightness, casting doubts over the pitcher’s availability. However, as of Tuesday morning, Ryan has resumed playing catch from 90 feet, signaling a positive step forward in his recovery, according to Twins manager Derek Shelton. This update comes after imaging revealed inflammation but no structural damage to Ryan’s back, an important distinction for the team given their recent pitching setbacks.
Twins Management Shares Optimism on Ryan’s Progress
Shelton expressed cautious hope after observing Ryan’s activity, noting,
“He played catch today at 90 feet, so I think that was really encouraging,”
and added,
“And he was also in the training room doing movement stuff. Encouraging. Trending in the right direction.”
With the Twins already dealing with the season-ending Tommy John surgery of Pablo López, Ryan’s health has become critical to the team’s pitching plans for the upcoming season.
Focus on Gradual Recovery Rather Than Rushed Return
At this stage of spring training, the priority for Minnesota is ensuring Ryan advances in his rehabilitation without setbacks rather than rushing a comeback. While the timeline remains uncertain, internal expectations suggest this interruption is temporary and unlikely to affect his spot for Opening Day. Ryan’s role has shifted from one of several rotation options to the rotation’s primary anchor, emphasizing the importance of his recovery to the team’s outlook.
Importance of Ryan’s Health to Twins’ Rotation Stability
If Ryan returns fully fit, he is positioned to be Minnesota’s Opening Day starter, providing leadership at the top of a rotation that would heavily depend on Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson to follow. Maintaining Ryan’s fitness throughout the remainder of spring training is a vital concern, as it will shape the rotation’s reliability and overall pitching strategy moving into the regular season.
Uncertainties Surround World Baseball Classic Participation
Ryan is also slated to represent the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, but his ability to participate remains in question due to his back issues. The Twins may opt for caution, especially if his back shows any signs of strain from escalating efforts. With enough time left in spring training, the priority will be balancing his workload to ensure he can be fully prepared for the start of the MLB season.
Rotation Competition and Depth Beyond Ryan
Behind Ryan, Ober, and Woods Richardson, the Twins’ rotation battle includes Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, and possibly David Festa, who is slowly ramping up after missing time last season. Bradley holds an advantage due to his experience with over 380 innings pitched at the major league level. While the Twins emphasize their pitching depth, Ryan’s injury raises serious concerns about how this depth will be tested if he cannot perform at the expected level.
Potential Impact of Ryan’s Health on Season Trajectory
The Twins’ competitive outlook is closely tied to Ryan’s availability. Losing their projected Opening Day starter could shift Minnesota from a playoff-contending position toward a rebuilding phase. Such a loss would strain the pitching staff, forcing Ober and Woods Richardson to shoulder heavier workloads and accelerating expectations for younger pitchers who were anticipated to develop more gradually. Ryan’s condition is thus pivotal not only for the early season but also for shaping the team’s long-term approach.
