Twins fans were panicking after starting pitcher Joe Ryan was scratched from his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday with low back tightness. Luckily, an MRI revealed he's only dealing with inflammation. He should be ready for Opening Day against the Baltimore Orioles in about a month.
But for those who are rooting for Team USA during the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), which begins next week, Ryan's back tightness is a major concern, as the Twins ace was slated to be part of Team USA's starting rotation for the tournament. If he isn't feeling 100%, Ryan and the Twins won't want to risk a major injury, which could keep him from competing in the highly anticipated national tournament.
Twins ace Joe Ryan gives World Baseball Classic status update after being scratched from first scheduled Grapefruit League start with low back tightness
Ryan, who will throw a full bullpen session on Saturday, gave reporters, including MLB.com's Matthew Leach, an update on his status for the WBC.
"I just keep hearing it's a fluid situation," Ryan said. "That's where we're at. All the parties involved have been super helpful and communicative, and there's a really good plan there and a lot of optimism."
When will Twins' Joe Ryan pitch in the WBC if he's able to play?
At this point, it seems unlikely Ryan will pitch in pool play, which begins on March 6. But if Team USA advances past pool play, Ryan may be available as long as he's feeling fully healthy.
It's difficult to imagine Team USA won't make it past pool play. Two teams in each pool advance to the quarterfinals, and Team USA is by far the strongest team in its pool, which includes Mexico, Italy, Great Britain and Brazil. Assuming Team USA advances past pool play, the team will compete in the quarterfinals at Daikin Park on March 13. If Team USA wins the quarterfinals, the team will travel to Miami for the semifinals (March 15 & 16), with the championship game scheduled for March 17.
USA's Logan Webb and Paul Skenes are expected to make two starts each during the tournament, meaning one will likely pitch in the quarterfinals and the other will likely throw in the semifinals. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is also set to compete for Team USA, but he said he's only going to make one pool play start.
If Team USA adds Ryan to its roster, the righty could start in the championship game if the country makes it that far. He could also be used as a reliever for the quarterfinals or semifinals.