Joe Ryan MRI Shows Lower Back Inflammation, Day-to-Day Status

Let’s break down the latest on Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan after a Spring Training setback. We’ll look at how his lower back inflammation could affect the team’s plans, and map out what the rotation and international competition might look like heading into 2026.

With Pablo López out for the year after Tommy John surgery, Ryan’s health is even more important. Minnesota has to navigate some tricky depth decisions at the top of the rotation.

Injury Update: Back Tightness and MRI Findings

The Twins scratched Ryan from a scheduled Spring Training start because of lower back tightness. An MRI showed only inflammation, which The Athletic’s Dan Hayes called the best-case scenario—it should help Ryan avoid a long layoff.

Honestly, the fact that the inflammation is limited is a pretty positive sign for his timeline. It’s not ideal, but it could have been way worse.

Health Outlook and Schedule Implications

Minnesota hasn’t finalized a plan for managing the back inflammation just yet. The short-term outlook suggests Ryan should be ready for Opening Day, unless something unexpected pops up.

The club’s reading of the MRI lines up with a cautious but hopeful approach. They want to keep Ryan on track without risking a setback.

How aggressively should they ramp up his workload? That’s the big question, especially since López is out and the team needs every inning covered. Ryan’s Opening Day availability looks likely, but the Twins will keep a close eye on his symptoms.

Rotation Depth and the Path Forward

Ryan’s situation makes an already unsettled rotation picture even more complicated. Behind Ryan and Bailey Ober, there’s a whole crowd of arms fighting for innings and a spot in the staff.

The Twins haven’t settled on a concrete plan. So, the battle for rotation spots is going to be a big storyline in Spring Training and early in the season.

Projected Depth Chart and Development Prospects

• Simeon Woods Richardson — He’s a strong contender to jump into regular rotation duty if Ryan isn’t ready right away.
• Zebby Matthews — Another up-and-comer who might get a real shot as the season rolls along.
• Taj Bradley — If he puts together a strong camp, he could push into the mix too.
• Mick Abel — His progression will determine if he’s in the bullpen or rotation early on.
• David Festa — A versatile depth option who could be used in different roles as the staff figures things out.

World Baseball Classic and USA Roster Considerations

Ryan’s back issue also raises questions about his participation in the World Baseball Classic. The Twins and Ryan are weighing roster caution against the chance to play for Team USA, with WBC insurance adding another wrinkle.

If Ryan skips the event, Team USA still has a strong starting group—Paul Skenes, Tarik Skubal, Logan Webb, Nolan McLean, and Matthew Boyd—so rotation depth shouldn’t be a problem for them.

Insurance, Scheduling, and National-Honors Nuances

WBC insurance constraints and the grind of a 162-game season make this a tricky decision. The Twins want Ryan healthy for the regular season, but Team USA obviously wants him for the tournament, too.

How this plays out will affect how Minnesota uses Ryan’s innings early on, and how he approaches any international commitments. It’s a balancing act, and nothing’s set in stone yet.

Long-Term Outlook: Minnesota’s Strategy in a Hardened Market

Paul López’s season-ending injury forced Minnesota to rethink its trade activity and roster expectations. The Twins reportedly considered moving Ryan at last summer’s trade deadline and again in the offseason.

Tom Pohlad’s growing influence in baseball decisions changed how aggressively the club used its assets. Even with questions about his ceiling, Ryan’s 2025 All-Star year and his 3.42 ERA across 171 innings in 30 starts last season still keep hope alive.

Still, 26 homers allowed and a not-so-great barrel-rate profile held him back from reaching true ace status. That’s just the reality—sometimes the numbers tell a complicated story.

Key stats from last year show the risk-reward situation for Minnesota: 3.42 ERA, 171 innings, 30 starts, 28.2% strikeouts, and 5.7% walks. The homer total and barrel-rate concerns linger.

The club has to weigh upside against durability as it sorts out a rotation that mixes proven arms with a pipeline of pitchers who might be ready soon. It’s a balancing act, and nobody really knows how it’ll shake out until the games start counting.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MRI Reveals Lower Back Inflammation For Joe Ryan