Team USA shook up their roster with their advancement in the World Baseball Classic, and the decision will end this former Dodgers' career.
Minnesota Twins righty Joe Ryan initially was left off Team USA’s roster during pool play as he was recovering from back inflammation incurred early in spring training. However, it is now reported that the ace will leave training camp for now and prepare to join Team USA as they advanced to the later stages of the World Baseball Classic thanks to Italy beating Mexico. The 29-year-old starter was held back from preparing with his team early in spring training, but as the injury didn’t progress to anything significant, he’s since returned to throwing. Ryan made his spring debut Tuesday after pitching three scoreless innings against the Rays. Ryan remained eligible to rejoin the roster later in the tournament because he was originally selected in the U.S. designated player pool.
If Team USA advances beyond the quarterfinals and is able to beat Canda on Friday at 8 p.m. ET, they’ll look to get a jolt from Ryan in their pitching rotation. It, in turn, effectively ends the run for retired Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw, who manager Mark DeRosa announced they would plan to replace him on the roster after the quarterfinal. The 37-year-old Kershaw announced his retirement in September but made the stunning decision to return to pitch for Team USA in the 2026 World Baseball Classic. Unfortunately, Kershaw has yet to make an appearance – leaving Friday as his sole chance.
Here is the full story from Twins Roundtable writer Gavin Groe on the update for Ryan and what he can bring to the WBC.
The U.S. is looking to make a run for the gold medal after they fell short in the last tournament.