As the World Baseball Classic approaches, Team USA has made a late change to its pitching staff by naming Ryan Yarbrough of the New York Yankees as the replacement for Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins on the Pool Play roster. The adjustment comes due to Joe Ryan’s ongoing back injury that has prompted caution among Team USA and the Twins.
Reason Behind Joe Ryan’s Absence and Designated Pitcher Status
Though Joe Ryan’s MRI showed only inflammation in his back, the injury is serious enough for all parties to adopt a conservative approach. While Joe Ryan cannot pitch to start the tournament, he remains in the Designated Pitcher Pool, allowing Team USA to monitor his recovery and potentially reinstate him if the team advances beyond Pool Play.
Ryan Yarbrough’s Versatility Gives Team USA Options
Ryan Yarbrough brings a flexible skill set to the roster, having filled roles both as a starter and a relief pitcher throughout his major league career. In the 2025 MLB season, he appeared in 19 games, with eight starts, providing Team USA’s manager, Mark DeRosa, with multiple tactical options for utilizing the left-hander.
Yarbrough posted a 4.36 ERA in these appearances, striking out 55 batters while walking 19. Although his recent season statistics weren’t outstanding, including a 3.19 ERA in the previous year, he holds solid career numbers overall with a 4.22 ERA and 654 strikeouts against 196 walks over eight MLB seasons.
Manager Mark DeRosa’s Confidence and What Lies Ahead
Mark DeRosa expressed optimism about Yarbrough’s potential impact, seeing him as a valuable asset as Team USA navigates Pool Play. The team’s use of Yarbrough in early games will reveal whether he secures a longer-term role or if efforts to reintegrate Joe Ryan will intensify as the tournament progresses.
“DeRosa clearly likes what he sees and believes Yarbrough can be a real asset on Team USA’s asset. His work during Pool Play will determine if he gets a long-term role, or if DeRosa will be pleading with the Twins for Ryan back.” – Mark DeRosa, Team USA Manager
Implications for Team USA’s Campaign in the Tournament
Replacing Joe Ryan with Ryan Yarbrough introduces an element of uncertainty but also flexibility for Team USA as it prepares to compete at the World Baseball Classic. Monitoring Ryan’s recovery could prove crucial for the team’s pitching depth in later rounds, while Yarbrough’s adaptability offers immediate options. The coming games will be pivotal in shaping the team’s pitching strategy and its overall chances in the tournament.
LHP Ryan Yarbrough has been added to Team USA's active roster for Pool Play. He replaces Joe Ryan, who has been moved to the Designated Pitcher Pool and will be eligible to pitch if Team USA advances. https://t.co/nF6QEyI09M
— World Baseball Classic (@WBCBaseball) March 1, 2026
