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Team USA has made a roster change ahead of the World Baseball Classic, bringing in a lefty from the Yankees as a precautionary move after the Twins’ prized right-hander dealt with a back issue. The swap gives manager Mark DeRosa a fresh option while the American squad monitors injury recovery.
Yankees’ Ryan Yarbrough joins Team USA for Pool Play
Ryan Yarbrough has been added to Team USA’s Pool Play roster for the WBC, according to the tournament’s official X account. He replaces Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins while the latter recovers from a back problem.
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Yarbrough arrives as a flexible pitching piece. He has a history of shifting between the rotation and the bullpen in the majors. That versatility could be valuable early in the tournament.
What happened with Joe Ryan and the team’s caution plan
Joe Ryan is currently dealing with a back ailment. An MRI found inflammation but no structural damage. Still, the Twins and Team USA are taking a cautious approach.
For now, Ryan remains in the Designated Pitcher Pool. That keeps him on the team’s radar and allows for a potential return if Team USA advances.
How Mark DeRosa might deploy Yarbrough
DeRosa gets a left-handed arm who can be used in multiple roles. The manager can adapt Yarbrough’s workload to match matchup needs.
- As an opener in short, aggressive outings
- Long relief to bridge from starter to late innings
- Spot starts if an opener strategy shifts
- Left-on-left matchups in critical moments
Recent performance and career snapshot
Yarbrough’s 2025 campaign included mixed results but showed durability and command in varied appearances.
- Appearances in 2025: 19 games
- Starts in 2025: 8
- ERA in 2025: 4.36
- K/BB in 2025: 55/19
- Career ERA over eight MLB seasons: 4.22
- Career K/BB: 654/196
Those numbers paint a picture of a pitcher who can eat innings and adapt. They may not glitter, but they offer practical value on a short international stage.
Roster implications and next steps
The roster move keeps Team USA balanced while giving Joe Ryan time to recover. If Team USA advances, Ryan could be activated from the Designated Pitcher Pool.
For now, the focus is on Pool Play, and Yarbrough’s usage there will influence longer-term roster decisions. The team will monitor workloads and matchups as the tournament unfolds.
