Ryan Yarbrough Joins Team USA, Replaces Injured Joe Ryan for WBC Pool Play

Team USA is finalizing its roster ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic, and the pitching staff has received a late adjustment. Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins will miss Pool Play due to a back injury, prompting the addition of Ryan Yarbrough from the New York Yankees, the WBC’s official account confirmed. While Ryan remains part of the Designated Pitcher Pool, the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure his long-term health.

The MRI results on Ryan’s back showed only inflammation, but both Minnesota and Team USA are being careful. He may rejoin the roster if Team USA advances beyond Pool Play. Until then, Yarbrough will step in and provide the team with flexibility in the early rounds.

Yarbrough has experience both as a starter and reliever in the majors, giving manager Mark DeRosa options for how to deploy him. This versatility could prove valuable in a tournament setting where pitching depth is critical.

For Team USA, the early games will serve as a proving ground for Yarbrough. How he performs in Pool Play could influence whether he remains a key arm or if the team looks to bring Ryan back for later rounds.

1. Yarbrough’s Role in Pool Play

Yarbrough has appeared in 19 games during the 2025 MLB season, starting eight of them. His dual experience as a starter and reliever makes him a flexible option for Team USA, allowing DeRosa to use him in multiple situations, whether short relief stints or longer outings. Over those 19 appearances, he recorded a 4.36 ERA with a 55/19 strikeout-to-walk ratio. While not his career best, these numbers reflect his ability to handle a variety of roles. Yarbrough’s adaptability could be crucial for Pool Play, where the team needs pitchers who can contribute in different capacities. Throughout his eight-year MLB career, Yarbrough has compiled a 4.22 ERA with a 654/196 K/BB ratio. This track record shows he has maintained consistency over time, even if he is not considered a frontline ace. DeRosa’s plan is to mix-and-match Yarbrough depending on game situations and matchups. His left-handed presence gives Team USA an added strategic element in both neutralizing opponents and balancing the bullpen.

2. Joe Ryan’s Injury and Status

Joe Ryan’s back injury has kept him from participating in Pool Play, but the prognosis is relatively positive. The MRI showed only inflammation, not a structural injury, but Team USA and the Twins are erring on the side of caution to protect him for potential later rounds. Remaining in the Designated Pitcher Pool allows Ryan to rejoin the team if Team USA progresses. This approach ensures that the team maintains depth while not jeopardizing Ryan’s long-term health. Ryan’s absence underscores the importance of having versatile pitchers like Yarbrough ready to step in. The WBC format demands adaptability, and the loss of a starting-caliber pitcher can be mitigated if backups can fill multiple roles. Monitoring Ryan closely will remain a priority for the team’s medical and coaching staff, ensuring that he returns at the right moment and can contribute effectively without risking reinjury.

3. Team USA’s Strategy

Team USA is balancing the need for immediate pitching depth with the long-term goal of keeping key arms healthy. Yarbrough provides a reliable, flexible option for the early games, allowing the team to avoid overextending its starters. DeRosa has emphasized evaluating performance in Pool Play to determine future roles. If Yarbrough excels, he could remain a central part of the pitching rotation, potentially reducing the urgency to activate Ryan. The team also benefits from the strategic matchup potential Yarbrough brings. As a left-handed pitcher with experience in both starting and relief roles, he gives DeRosa options to counter specific lineups and exploit weaknesses in opposing teams. Ultimately, Team USA aims to enter the elimination rounds with a full complement of healthy, effective pitchers. Yarbrough’s performance in Pool Play and Ryan’s potential return will be key factors in how the roster evolves as the tournament progresses.