Twins' Joe Ryan gets MRI, has lower back inflammation

Field Level Media|published: Sun 22nd February, 11:07 2026

Sep 20, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan (41) delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning of game one of a double header at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Minnesota Twins All-Star right-hander Joe Ryan is nursing inflammation in his lower back after being scratched from his spring training start on Saturday afternoon.

Ryan underwent an MRI and revealed the news on Sunday, two days after the team announced right-hander Pablo Lopez will undergo Tommy John surgery this week and miss the entire 2026 season.

"I didn't do any deep dives and don't have Twitter. ... I'm sorry to scare everyone," Ryan told reporters on Sunday.

Ryan, 29, agreed to a $6.2 million contract to avoid arbitration.

He posted a 13-10 record with a career-best 3.42 ERA and 194 strikeouts in 31 appearances (30 starts) last season. He made his first career All-Star Game last summer.

--Field Level Media

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