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Twins Pitcher Joe Ryan Suffers Forearm Strain

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, February 21st 2026 at 15:20 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Florida, Minnesota, UNITED STATES

PEORIA, Ariz. - A cloud of concern has descended over the Minnesota Twins' spring training camp after right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan was unexpectedly placed on the injured list Saturday with a forearm strain. The injury occurred during a routine throwing session Friday, prompting the team to take immediate precautionary measures.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli addressed the media, stating, "We're just going to let it calm down and see where we're at." While Baldelli remained cautiously optimistic, the timing of the injury is particularly troubling. Ryan is considered a cornerstone of the Twins' pitching staff and was firmly penciled in as a key contributor to the 2026 rotation.

Forearm strains are notoriously delicate injuries for pitchers, often preceding more severe issues like ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) tears which frequently require Tommy John surgery. While the Twins are currently characterizing this as a strain and aiming for rest and recovery, the possibility of further diagnostic testing - including MRI scans - is highly probable to determine the extent of the damage and establish a realistic timeline for Ryan's return.

Ryan's 2025 season, while not dominant, showcased his potential. He finished with a 10-9 record and a 4.98 ERA across 174 2/3 innings. The Twins were hoping to see him build upon that foundation and solidify himself as a consistent top-of-the-rotation starter in 2026. This injury significantly disrupts those plans.

Impact on the Twins' Rotation

The immediate fallout of Ryan's absence is a reshuffling of the projected starting five. Pablo Lopez, the Twins' ace, is now slated to take Ryan's spot in the rotation order. Lopez had a stellar 2025, and the Twins will rely heavily on his continued performance to anchor the staff. Steven Brault appears to be the next man up, providing depth and a potential spot start option. While Brault has experience as a starter, he is not viewed as a long-term replacement for Ryan.

The current projected rotation now stands as follows: Pablo Lopez, Sonny Gray, Bailey Ober, Chris Paddack, and Brent Pomeranz. This rotation, while serviceable, lacks the consistent top-end talent the Twins hoped to have with a healthy Ryan. The team may explore external options - either through free agency or potential trades - if Ryan's injury proves to be prolonged.

Wider Implications for the AL Central

The Twins are widely considered contenders in the competitive American League Central. This injury to Ryan doesn't necessarily remove them from contention, but it undeniably weakens their chances. The Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, and even the Chicago White Sox are all aiming to challenge for the division title. A strong starting rotation is crucial for navigating a full season, and the Twins' depth is now under scrutiny.

Looking Ahead

The Twins' medical staff will closely monitor Ryan's progress in the coming days and weeks. The severity of the forearm strain will dictate the next steps, ranging from a short period of rest and rehabilitation to a more extensive recovery process. The team will undoubtedly be cautious, understanding the risk of pushing Ryan back too soon and potentially exacerbating the injury.

For now, the focus shifts to the remaining members of the pitching staff and their ability to step up in Ryan's absence. The Twins' front office will also be actively evaluating potential solutions to address the void in the rotation, ensuring they remain competitive throughout the 2026 season. Fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on Ryan's condition, hoping for a swift recovery and a return to the mound as soon as possible.

Further Reading:

• Full MLB standings: [ https://www.mlb.com/standings ] - Stay up-to-date on the league's standings.
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• Draft prospects: [ https://www.mlb.com/draft ] - A look at the top 100 players for the 2024 draft (providing insight into future talent).
• Awards watch: [ https://www.mlb.com/awards ] - Keep track of the leading candidates for MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year awards.