Joe Ryan

Ryan (back) checked out well after his bullpen session Saturday and is slated to face hitters in live batting practice in the coming days, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

Ryan has been sidelined for a couple of days due to inflammation in his lower back though the Twins maintain that it's only a minor issue. The next step for the 29-year-old right-hander will be to face live hitters and if all goes well there he'll be cleared for Grapefruit League action. Ryan will not join Team USA for pool play in the World Baseball Classic, but he remains on their designated list and could be added for the second round.

Ryan (back) will throw a bullpen session on Saturday before advancing to facing live hitters next week, Bobby Nightengale of the Minnesota Star Tribune reports.

A few days after being scratched from his start on Saturday, Joe Ryan is already throwing. Twins manager Derek Shelton told reporters that the pitcher played catch from 90 feet this morning (link via Matthew Leach of MLB.com). Ryan was sent for imaging over the weekend after experiencing lower back discomfort, but he’s dealing only […]

Ryan (back) played catch from 90 feet Tuesday, Matthew Leach of MLB.com reports.