The Minnesota Twins are already grappling with a challenging start to the 2026 season as injuries hit their pitching staff before the first pitch is even thrown.
The first blow came with Pablo Lopez, who is set to miss the entire season due to a partial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tear in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery.
Adding to the Twins' woes, ace pitcher Joe Ryan was unexpectedly scratched from his Spring Training debut just 15 minutes before he was set to face the Boston Red Sox. According to MLB insider Chris Cotillo, the decision stemmed from "low back tightness on his right side," leaving fans and analysts alike concerned about the severity of his condition.
In Ryan's place, Minnesota turned to Bryce Stull to kick off their Spring Training opener. While the extent of Ryan's injury remains unclear, it's a situation that will undoubtedly be closely monitored, especially considering it's the second major setback for the team's pitching roster this week.
Despite these challenges, Ryan's offseason was marked by a positive development as he avoided salary arbitration, securing a one-year, $6.2 million deal with the Twins for 2026. He's under team control through the 2027 season, providing some stability for the franchise.
Ryan, now 29, was a cornerstone of Minnesota's rotation last year. His standout season included 31 appearances, boasting a 13-10 record, a 3.42 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and an impressive 194 strikeouts over a team-leading 171 innings pitched. His performance underscored his role as Minnesota's go-to starter, making his current setback all the more concerning for the team's prospects this season.