Injured Twins SP Joe Ryan Reportedly Ahead of Rehab Schedule

Once upon a time the Minnesota Twins acquired Joe Ryan for the bag of aging bones that is Nelson Cruz. It was an insane comeup considering the stage at which Cruz was in his career. Teams are often cautioned against trading with the Tampa Bay Rays, but Derek Falvey won.

Ryan has become an imperative part of Rocco Baldelli’s starting rotation. He has been durable but hit the injured list for the first time last season. After missing the stretch run due to a shoulder injury, he’s ahead of schedule when it comes to 2025.

Minnesota Twins need a healthy Joe Ryan

Last season the Twins came into the year with an ace in the form of Pablo Lopez. From there they expected Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober to hold the line. Ryan took another step forward and did his part, but then he wound up injured. Insider Darren “Doogie” Wolfson says he’s tracking well for 2025.

“Joe Ryan, with that shoulder injury, ahead of schedule with his rehab. So he’ll be fine by the start of spring training, but even before the start of spring training.”

Darren Wolfson on Joe Ryan’s health (Skor North)

After making 29 starts in 2023, Ryan pitched just 23 games for the Twins last year. His final start came on August 7th and he was lifted after just two innings. On the year he owned a 3.60 ERA with a 3.44 FIP and 147 strikeouts in 135 innings.

Joe Ryan struck out a dozen batters for the @Twins! 😤 pic.twitter.com/UucIvsOpOI

— MLB (@MLB) April 13, 2024

Related: Minnesota Twins Gain Additional 1st Round Draft Pick for 2025

If the Twins are going to be competitive in 2025, it will be because Joe Ryan is both goo and healthy. Lopez needs to bounce back, but the rotation needs it’s best arms to keep the depth at bay for as long as possible.

Matt Canterino gets positive Twins update too

The Twins pitching pipeline produced a couple of new starters last season. Both David Festa and Zebby Matthews made their big league debuts. There will be more in 2025. One of the system’s most intriguing arms is Matt Canterino, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy. For now, he’s good to go.

“Remember Twins pitching prospect Matt Canterino? Speaking of injuries, it’s been about two years of constant injuries. I am told, in this moment, he is 100%. He feels great. It looks like he’s on the 40-man roster. It looks like he is destined for the bullpen. Don’t forget that name… It looks like, not 100%, but looks like right now signs point to him ending up in the bullpen.”

Darren Wolfson on Matt Canterino (Skor North)

The Twins took Canterino in the 2nd round of the 2019 draft out of Rice University. He had worked as a starter, but Rice is synonymous with burning out arms and future professional problems. That trend has unfortunately continued with Canterino.

He has been nothing short of incredible when on the mound, but he has logged just 85 professional innings. He has 130 strikeouts in that span and looks like an arm that could immediately help the big league bullpen. It’s a good thing that the Twins seem willing to spend his bullets there.

Related: Minnesota Twins Top Prospect Rankings (2025 ed.)

For a unit that could use some new high-ceiling talent this season. Canterino fits the bill. Now he just needs to stay healthy.