Imagine the Minnesota Twins' season hanging in the balance after losing their ace pitcher, Pablo López, to a devastating injury. But here's the silver lining: All-Star right-hander Joe Ryan, their expected opening day starter, is breathing a sigh of relief. An MRI revealed only inflammation in his lower back, a far cry from the season-ending diagnosis López received. This news comes as a huge relief for Twins fans, who were already reeling from López's 'significant tear' in his right ulnar collateral ligament, announced just days earlier by general manager Jeremy Zoll.
Ryan, who posted a solid 13-10 record with a 3.42 ERA in 2025 and earned his first All-Star nod, will take a few days off to rest and recover. Zoll assured fans that this minor setback won't derail Ryan's readiness for opening day. 'He's just dealing with some inflammation and tightness,' Zoll explained to MLB.com. 'We'll give him time to heal and gradually build him back up. We’re confident he’ll be good to go when the season starts.'
But here's where it gets controversial: While Ryan’s availability for the Twins seems secure, his participation in the World Baseball Classic with Team USA is now in question. The inflammation and tightness in his lower back could force him to sit out, leaving fans and analysts debating whether resting for the Twins should take priority over international competition.
At 29, Ryan is a cornerstone of the Twins' rotation, and his health is critical to their postseason aspirations. With López out for the season, the pressure on Ryan to lead the pitching staff has never been higher. And this is the part most people miss: Even minor injuries like inflammation can snowball if not managed properly, especially for a pitcher relying on core strength and flexibility.
As the Twins navigate this precarious start to the season, one thing is clear: Joe Ryan’s health is a make-or-break factor for their success. Should he prioritize the Twins over Team USA? Or is representing his country worth the risk? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
