Joe Ryan Stays with Twins, Skips WBC Opportunity
In a surprising twist, Twins ace Joe Ryan won't be joining Team USA for the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Just days ago, it seemed Ryan was set to step in for Clayton Kershaw after the Quarterfinals, with Team USA advancing alongside Italy, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
But fresh reports indicate Ryan will remain in Twins camp, focusing on his season prep instead. This decision comes on the heels of Ryan's delayed Grapefruit League debut, attributed to some pesky lower back tightness.
With Ryan out, Mets' Nolan McLean is on deck to potentially take the mound in the championship game, assuming Team USA progresses past the formidable Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes is primed to face the DR today.
Bailey Ober's Velocity Under the Microscope
Turning to the Twins' rotation, there's a bit of concern brewing around Bailey Ober. Last year, Ober's fastball velocity dipped to an average of 90.3 mph, contributing to a challenging 5.10 ERA over 27 starts.
This spring hasn't shown much improvement, with his fastball clocking in at an average of 89.9 mph during his Grapefruit League debut. In his latest outing, the velocity hovered around 89 mph, occasionally dropping to 87-88 mph by the third inning.
With only one of his fastballs breaking the 90 mph mark, there's a spotlight on Ober to regain some heat, especially with Pablo López sidelined for the season after UCL surgery. The Twins are counting on Ober to step up as their No. 2 starter, and a velocity boost could be crucial.
Walker Jenkins Eyes Return and MLB Debut
On a brighter note, Twins fans have reason to be optimistic about top prospect Walker Jenkins. Ranked No. 14 on MLB Pipeline's top-100 list, Jenkins is on the mend from a Grade 1 hamstring strain and is expected to dive back into minor league spring training games soon.
The hope is he'll be ready for Triple-A St. Paul's season opener, and if he stays healthy and delivers, a 2026 MLB debut could be on the horizon.
Last season, Jenkins showcased his potential with a .309/.426/.487 slash line and seven homers in Double-A, though he hit a few bumps adjusting to Triple-A pitching. With time and experience, Jenkins could become a key player for the Twins in the not-so-distant future.