Twins' latest ominous injury could mean Joe Ryan's days are numbered

Things are spiraling already at the Minnesota Twins' camp. Spring Training has barely started, and yet, Twins fans are panicking big time. Byron Buxton, the face of the franchise, is already showing frustration — and that isn't even the worst of it.

On Monday, ace Pablo López left the field with soreness in his elbow, calling for immediate imaging. Dan Hayes of The Athletic then reported Tuesday morning that López has "significant tearing of his UCL."

So as the train wreck continues to stockpile, fans cannot help but think what that next move will be from the Twins' front office. If López winds up needing Tommy John surgery, the 2026 season is about as good as done, right? The Twins cannot afford for him to miss another 20 or so starts, like he did last year.

If López does sustain a season-ending injury, what happens with Joe Ryan? Rumors constantly swirled around him this winter, signaling that the All-Star may get traded. The front office decided to hang on to him, but if López goes down, what's the point in keeping Ryan?

Joe Ryan's time with Twins may be over if Pablo López misses entire 2026 season

It's always felt inevitable, and down-right uncomfortable, that Ryan will not stay with the Twins. He almost went to an arbitration hearing with Minnesota, but in perhaps an act of good faith, the club avoided that to keep Ryan happy.

But that was when he and López were headlining the starting rotation. It's safe to say that the Twins will be much worse in López's potential absence, which would then sour Ryan's stay with Minnesota. Is a trade with Ryan on the horizon? The conversation is probably already beginning about it.

López is going to get a second opinion on his elbow, but the first look at him spells trouble. We're reaching disastrous territory in less than one week at Spring Training in Florida. Bring on the trade rumors for Joe Ryan...again.