Twins’ Joe Ryan provides WBC status update after spring training injuries

Twins fans panicked after starting pitcher Joe Ryan was scratched from his scheduled start against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday with a lower back injury. Fortunately, an MRI showed that he was only dealing with inflammation. He should be ready for Opening Day against the Baltimore Orioles in about a month.

But for those rooting for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC), which begins next week, Ryan’s tight back is a major concern as the Twins ace would be part of Team USA’s starting rotation for the tournament. If he doesn’t feel 100%, Ryan and the Twins don’t want to risk a major injury that could keep him from playing in the highly anticipated national tournament.

Twins ace Joe Ryan provides World Baseball Classic status update after being scratched from first scheduled Grapefruit League start with lower back pain

Ryan, who will provide a full bullpen session Saturday reporters gave, including Matthew Leach of MLB.coman update on his status for the WBC.

“I keep hearing that it’s a fluid situation,” Ryan said. “That’s where we are now. All parties involved have been super helpful and communicative, and there is a very good plan in place and there is a lot of optimism.”

When will Twins’ Joe Ryan pitch in the WBC if he can play?

At this point, it seems unlikely that Ryan will pitch in the pool, which starts on March 6. But if Team USA advances beyond the pool, Ryan could be available as long as he feels fully healthy.

It’s hard to imagine that Team USA won’t advance 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 also includes Mexico, Italy, Great Britain and Brazil. Assuming Team USA advances beyond 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 and 16), with the championship game scheduled for March 17.

American Logan Webb and Paul Skenes are each expected to make two starts during the tournament, meaning one will likely pitch in the quarterfinals and the other likely in the semifinals. Tigers ace Tarik Skubal will also compete for Team USA, but he said he would make just one pool start.

If Team USA adds Ryan to the 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.