SP - Minnesota Twins
- Age 29
- Cal State Stanislaus
- Bats: R
- Throws: R
2026 Outlook
- Draft Rank (ECR)
- P #19
- Best / Worst
- #14 / #57
- ADP
- #74
Eligibility
- Yahoo
- SP
- ESPN
- SP
- CBS
- SP
Availability
Joe Ryan has been named the Opening Day starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins against the Baltimore Orioles the club announced.
Fantasy Impact
Ryan has fought through injury issues this spring and is poised to play a pivotal role leading a rebuilt Minnesota rotation for new manager Derek Shelton, posting a 3.42 ERA to go along with a 1.04 WHIP (13-10, 194 strikeouts) in 31 appearances on the mound in 2025. The right-hander offers fantasy managers an innings-inning option in lineups entering 2026.
Joe Ryan will join the Team USA WBC roster after the quarterfinals.
Fantasy Impact
Ryan will take the roster spot of Clayton Kershaw if Team USA advances past Team Canada in the quarterfinals on Friday. If they do advance, he could start the semifinals or championship.
Joe Ryan had a successful bullpen session on Saturday and is scheduled to throw live batting practice in the coming days.
Fantasy Impact
Ryan has been dealing with lower-back inflammation, but completed a bullpen session on Saturday without issues. He will now throw a live batting practice session before making his spring training debut. Ryan will not participate in WBC pool play but remains in Team USA’s designated player pool and could pitch into the second round if the schedule allows.
Ryan (back) dealt with lower back tightness on Saturday and had an MRI performed the following day. The imaging showed inflammation.
Fantasy Impact
He is slated to throw a bullpen session on Saturday. Ryan could progress to facing live hitters next week depending on how the bullpen goes. He has sufficient time remaining to be available for Opening Day, though his expected involvement with Team USA in the World Baseball Classic is now uncertain.
Joe Ryan underwent an MRI on his back, which revealed only inflammation.
Fantasy Impact
Ryan was scratched from his scheduled spring debut Saturday due to a back issue, but testing revealed only inflammation. It’s currently unclear when he’ll return to the mound, though the diagnosis is encouraging for fantasy managers.
