U.S. Baseball Classic Team Makes Pre-Tournament Roster Change, Yankees' "Soft-Tossing Lefty" Yarbrough Steps In

As the 2026 World Baseball Classic nears, the championship-seeking U.S. team announced a roster change today. Minnesota Twins ace right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan exited the preliminary squad due to injury, with New York Yankees 34-year-old left-hander Ryan Yarbrough taking his place.

Ryan recently experienced tightness in his right side during warm-ups for a spring training contest against the Boston Red Sox, forcing a late scratch from his start just 15 minutes before first pitch. Examination confirmed lower back inflammation, leading the national team to move him to the provisional pitcher list; he could still return if the U.S. advances past the group stage.

Twins General Manager Jeremy Zoll indicated the decision resulted from discussions involving the player himself, his agent, and the U.S. team management. Ryan had a productive bullpen session yesterday, with a live batting practice scheduled for Wednesday and a potential appearance in a March 10 exhibition game. MLB.com analysis suggests if the U.S. team reaches the semifinals by then, he could be available for the March 15 semi-final game.

Yarbrough, who replaced Ryan, performed commendably after joining the Yankees last year. In 19 appearances including 8 starts, he posted a 3-1 record with a 4.36 ERA, along with one save, striking out 55 batters over 64 innings. He finalized a contract extension with the Yankees late last season.