Twins Notes: Ryan, Raya, Merryweather - A Comprehensive Overview
By Anthony Franco (https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/author/af10) | February 24, 2026
The Minnesota Twins are gearing up for the upcoming baseball season, and there's a lot of intrigue surrounding their pitching rotation. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments involving Joe Ryan, Marco Raya, and Julian Merryweather.
Joe Ryan's Recovery Progress
Joe Ryan, who was recently scratched from his start due to lower back discomfort, is already back on the mound. Manager Derek Shelton confirmed that Ryan played catch from 90 feet, indicating his recovery is on track. The good news is that the issue is merely inflammation, providing ample time for his preparation for the season.
Ryan's importance to the team cannot be overstated. With the loss of Pablo López to Tommy John surgery, Ryan's health becomes even more critical for the Twins' playoff aspirations. However, there's a question mark over his availability for the World Baseball Classic, which could be a point of contention.
The Rotation Battle
Assuming Ryan is ready for the season, the Twins' rotation will feature Bailey Ober and Simeon Woods Richardson. The final two spots are up for grabs, with a competitive camp battle expected among Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, Mick Abel, and potentially David Festa. The depth of the organization is being tested as they navigate the challenges of finding the right combination.
Marco Raya's Reliever Role
Marco Raya, a 23-year-old prospect, has been moved to the bullpen permanently. This decision was made after he struggled with control in his minor league career, walking almost 13% of opponents in Triple-A. Raya's move to the bullpen is seen as a strategic adjustment to improve his performance.
Despite his control issues, Raya has the potential to be a valuable asset in the bullpen. With his repertoire of pitches, he can contribute to the team's success in short relief situations. The Twins are hoping that his control will be less of an issue in these brief stints.
Bullpen Depth and Non-Roster Invitees
The Twins' bullpen is well-equipped with established players like Taylor Rogers, Anthony Banda, Justin Topa, Kody Funderburk, and Cole Sands. However, there are still three jobs up for grabs, and the organization has brought in several veteran arms on minor league contracts with Spring Training invites.
Among these invitees is Julian Merryweather, who made his team debut but suffered a setback with a left hamstring strain. Despite the injury, Merryweather has the opportunity to prove his worth and secure a spot on the roster.
The Twins' pitching staff is in a state of flux, with decisions to be made regarding the rotation and the bullpen. As the season approaches, the organization will need to navigate these challenges to find the right combination of players to compete for a playoff spot.
