Twins ace Joe Ryan NOT pitching for Team USA in 2026 WBC
Just three days ago, USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported that Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan will replace Clayton Kershaw on Team USA's roster after the World Baseball Classic's Quarterfinals, which resulted in Team USA, Italy, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic moving on to the Semifinals. However, The Minnesota Star Tribune's Bobby Nightengale reported yesterday that Ryan is staying in Twins camp and won't pitch for Team USA during the tournament.
Ryan, whose 2026 Grapefruit League debut was delayed due to lower back tightness, was slated to pitch in the championship game if Team USA advances past the Dominican Republic. Now, Mets starter Nolan McLean will likely start that game if USA makes it that far. Paul Skenes will make the start against the DR today.
Bailey Ober's velocity continues to be a concern
Bailey Ober's fastball velocity remains a major concern. His fastball averaged 90.3 mph last year, when he posted a 5.10 ERA in 27 starts, after averaging 91.7 mph the year before. It averaged 89.9 mph during his 2026 Grapefruit League debut on March 6. He made his second Grapefruit League start of the season on Thursday, and his fastball sat around 89 mph and dropped to 87-88 mph during the third inning. Only one of his 21 fastballs on Thursday reached above 90 mph.
Ober is supposed to be the Twins' No. 2 starter this year after Pablo López underwent season-ending UCL surgery last month. If Ober cannot improve his velocity, the Twins' rotation may be in trouble.
Twins' top prospect Walker Jenkins returning from injury
Outfielder Walker Jenkins, who ranks No. 14 on MLB Pipeline's top-100 prospects list, is expected to play in minor league spring training games next week, according to Bobby Nightengale. The Twins' top prospect, who suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain earlier this month, is expected to be ready for the start of Triple-A St. Paul's season, Twins general manager Jeremy Zoll said.
As long as Jenkins stays healthy and performs well with the Saints, the outfielder should make his MLB debut at some point in 2026. Jenkins, 21, slashed .309/.426/.487 with seven home runs in 52 games for Double-A Wichita last season before being promoted to Triple-A St. Paul. He struggled a bit with the Saints, hitting just .242/.324/.396 in 102 plate appearances, but he likely just needed time to adjust to Triple-A pitching.