Joe Ryan Scratched From Start, Undergoing MRI With Twins

The Minnesota Twins scratched ace Joe Ryan from Grapefruit League action against the Red Sox because of right-side lower back tightness. He’s getting an MRI to figure out how serious it is.

This comes at a tough time. The rotation’s already thin, with Pablo López out for 2026 after Tommy John surgery. Ryan’s health suddenly feels like it could decide the Twins’ ceiling this year.

There’s another wrinkle—Ryan’s supposed to pitch for the United States in the upcoming *World Baseball Classic*. That could shape how hard Minnesota pushes him in spring camp. Here’s what we know so far, what it means for the Twins, and how Ryan’s past might affect trade talks and pitching depth as the season unfolds.

Injury update: Joe Ryan’s back tightness and MRI

Right now, Joe Ryan was a late scratch from Minnesota’s Grapefruit League start versus the Red Sox because of right-side lower back tightness. He’s undergoing an MRI to see what’s really going on, and the club’s saying it might just be early-camp soreness as he ramps up his throwing.

The timing’s rough, since Pablo López is already out for 2026 after Tommy John surgery. That leaves Minnesota thinner atop the rotation as spring opens.

The MRI results will decide the next move. Minnesota has to figure out how hard to push Ryan and whether to let him pitch in the World Baseball Classic or hold him back just in case.

Impact on Minnesota’s rotation and camp plans

Losing López means Ryan’s even more important, but a back issue makes things complicated. If this turns into something persistent, the Twins might slow down Ryan’s throwing, mess with his workload, or even pull him from the World Baseball Classic.

Even if things aren’t too serious, any setback in spring matters for a club that’s counting on him to anchor a thinner rotation. Minnesota also needs to keep an eye on the rest of its starters in camp, hoping not to wear out the staff too soon.

It’s wild how one health issue at the top can shake up the whole pitching plan for 2026.

Joe Ryan’s track record: value, durability, and ceiling

Ryan made a splash as a dependable front-end option with a strong All-Star campaign in 2025. He threw 171 innings with a 3.42 ERA, a 28.2% strikeout rate, and a 5.7% walk rate.

Over the past four seasons in Minnesota, he’s put up a 3.78 ERA, a 27.5% strikeout rate, and a 5.7% walk rate across 614 2/3 innings. He’s a true front-of-the-rotation starter who misses bats, though he can give up some homers and hard contact.

He’s mostly been durable, except for a late-2024 teres major strain that cut his year short.

• All-Star season in 2025: 171 innings, 3.42 ERA, 28.2% K, 5.7% BB
• Four-season track record: 614 2/3 innings, 3.78 ERA, 27.5% K, 5.7% BB
• Front-of-rotation upside, but sometimes homer-prone
• Team-friendly arbitration control through 2027, which helps Minnesota’s long-term planning

World Baseball Classic and roster considerations

Ryan’s supposed to pitch for the United States in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, which adds another layer to his spring. If his back stays tight, the Twins might pull him, even if it’s nothing major.

The WBC makes things tricky—Minnesota wants to show off their ace, but not at the cost of Opening Day. They’ll have to weigh the risk of extra work against the upside of letting him compete on a big stage. When healthy, he’s the guy they want leading the rotation, so it’s a tough call.

Trade outlook: could Ryan surface in a big deal?

Looking ahead, the Twins are in a tricky spot. If they stay in contention and Ryan gets back to form, his value—already boosted by cheap arbitration through 2027—could make him pretty tempting for a team hunting for a proven, controllable ace.

Minnesota’s choice at the 2025 deadline to keep Ryan, even with trade rumors swirling, shows they’re open to talks if the season starts heading toward a retool. If Ryan stays healthy and productive, teams looking to contend will probably come calling.

He could headline a trade package, letting the Twins chase future assets. That might matter even more now, since their rotation looks a bit thin this spring.

This news mixes immediate health questions with bigger-picture consequences for the Twins’ 2026 plans. Joe Ryan’s health will hang over everything as Minnesota juggles camp decisions, WBC involvement, and possible trade talks during a season that feels pivotal for a club trying to balance winning now with building for later.
 
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