MRI Results Offer Relief for Joe Ryan, but Questions Remain
The MRI Results: A Best-Case Scenario for Joe Ryan
Right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan, who was scratched from his Spring Training start due to lower back tightness, underwent an MRI yesterday. The results, reported by The Athletic's Dan Hayes, revealed only inflammation in Ryan's lower back. This is a best-case scenario for Ryan, as it means he should avoid a lengthy layoff. While the Twins' exact plans for Ryan's recovery are unclear, it seems likely that his availability for Opening Day will not be affected by this injury.
The Impact on the Twins' Rotation
The Twins have already lost right-hander Pablo Lopez to the injured list for the year as he prepares for Tommy John surgery. Losing Ryan as well would have been a devastating blow for the team. Ryan is expected to be joined in the rotation by Bailey Ober, with the final three spots filled by a combination of young pitchers, including Simeon Woods Richardson, Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, and David Festa.
Ryan's Importance to the Twins
Ryan is especially important to the Twins this year, as he is coming off his best season ever. An All-Star for the first time in 2025, the right-hander posted a 3.42 ERA in 171 innings of work. While his lackluster 11.5% barrel rate held him back from true ace-level production, Ryan was a quality front-of-the-rotation starter who garnered plenty of interest at last summer's trade deadline. The Twins entertained offers on Ryan early in the offseason but eventually took him off the market in December following Tom Pohlad's ascension to the role of control person for the franchise.
The World Baseball Classic and Insurance Issues
In the shorter term, it remains to be seen what Ryan's inflammation will mean for his anticipated participation in the World Baseball Classic. Ryan was announced as part of the Team USA roster for the WBC, but it's possible he'll be forced to sit out the tournament due to the injury, despite its mild nature. Players around the league have been denied insurance ahead of the WBC, causing issues for all sorts of teams as they prepare for the event. This has led to additional caution around rostering players who would otherwise seem like safe bets to roster for the tournament, and it's unclear what impact (if any) this could have on Ryan's participation at this point.
The Team's Future and Trade Conversations
While the Twins have enough talent among their young players to take a step forward this year, if the team fails to do so, Ryan could once again find himself in trade conversations this summer, provided he remains healthy. The team's future remains uncertain, but Ryan's performance and health will be key factors in determining their success.
