NORTH PORT, Fla. -- More than two weeks after he was initially scheduled to start, Joe Ryan will make his 2026 Spring Training debut on Tuesday.
Ryan suffered some lower back inflammation in February, causing him to be scratched from his planned Grapefruit League debut on Feb. 21. He’s now built back up, and following a live batting practice session last week, he’ll start against the Rays at Charlotte Sports Park at 12:05 p.m. CT Tuesday.
With Ryan’s return, the Twins’ rotation will be intact, or at least as intact as it’s going to be this year. Bailey Ober made his Grapefruit League debut on Friday after building up slowly to begin camp. Pablo López is out for the year after undergoing right elbow surgery, but the other six candidates for five starting spots will all be active as of Tuesday.
If things go well for Ryan and for Team USA, his next start could be in the World Baseball Classic. Ryan is holding out hope that he could be activated for a potential WBC semifinal for Team USA Sunday or next Monday in Miami.
Ryan also is most likely to be named the Twins’ Opening Day starter for their March 26 lid-lifter in Baltimore.