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Twins' Joe Ryan Lands on IL, Rotation in Doubt

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 22nd 2026 at 6:00 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Florida, Minnesota, UNITED STATES

Twins Face Early Rotation Uncertainty as Joe Ryan Lands on IL

GLENDALE, Ariz. - February 22nd, 2026 - A shadow has fallen over the Minnesota Twins' spring training camp with the unexpected news that starting pitcher Joe Ryan has been placed on the injured list. The move, announced Sunday, comes after Ryan reported sudden discomfort in his elbow during a routine throwing session. While the team is downplaying the severity, characterizing the IL stint as precautionary, the development casts a degree of uncertainty over the Twins' plans for the upcoming 2026 season.

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli addressed the media, stating, "It was a bit sudden," and emphasized the team's priority is thorough evaluation and Ryan's well-being. "We'll do what we need to do to figure out what's going on and make sure we're taking care of him." This cautious approach suggests the Twins aren't ruling out a potentially serious issue, despite the initial framing as precautionary.

Ryan, just 26 years old, established himself as a cornerstone of the Minnesota pitching staff in 2025. His impressive 11-8 record, coupled with a solid 3.47 ERA and a striking 139 strikeouts across 123 1/3 innings, cemented his position as a vital component of the Twins' postseason aspirations. Losing him, even temporarily, represents a significant blow to their ambitions.

The immediate impact of Ryan's injury is a disruption to the planned starting rotation. The Twins were banking on Ryan to lead the charge at the top, and now find themselves scrambling to fill the void. Bailey Ober, a reliable and proven pitcher in his own right, is currently slated to step into Ryan's spot. Ober finished last season with a respectable 8-6 record and a 3.82 ERA, and while he's a capable replacement, he doesn't quite possess the same strikeout potential or proven big-game experience as Ryan.

Implications for the Twins' 2026 Campaign

This injury could have ripple effects beyond just the immediate rotation. The Twins, having invested heavily in improving their overall roster during the offseason, were hoping to build upon their promising 2025 performance. A lengthy absence for Ryan could force the team to revisit their pitching depth and potentially consider external options, such as a trade or free agent signing, though options will be limited at this late stage.

The timing is particularly concerning. Spring training is a crucial period for pitchers to build arm strength and refine their mechanics. A sudden injury, especially one involving the elbow, raises concerns about potential long-term damage and the possibility of needing Tommy John surgery, which would sideline Ryan for an extended period - potentially the entire 2026 season.

The Twins' medical staff will undoubtedly conduct a thorough examination, including MRI scans and potentially other diagnostic tests, to pinpoint the exact nature of Ryan's discomfort. The results of these tests will dictate the course of treatment and provide a more accurate timeline for his return.

Ober's Opportunity & Rotation Dynamics

While Ryan's injury is a setback, it presents an opportunity for Bailey Ober to solidify his role in the rotation. He'll be under pressure to perform consistently and demonstrate that he can handle the responsibilities of a front-line starter. The Twins' coaching staff will be closely monitoring his progress and providing the necessary support to help him succeed.

The remaining starters - Pablo Lopez, Sonny Gray (assuming he re-signs), and potentially a rising prospect - will also need to step up and shoulder more of the workload. The Twins' success in 2026 will depend not only on the health of their key players but also on the ability of the entire pitching staff to collectively deliver consistent performances.

The Twins open their season on March 28th against the Seattle Mariners. Whether Ryan will be available by then remains highly uncertain. The team will undoubtedly be cautious in their approach to his recovery, prioritizing his long-term health over a quick return to the mound. Fans will be anxiously awaiting updates in the coming days as the Twins navigate this early-season challenge.