2026 Injury Report: Updates on Brash, Festa, Ryan

One day after Joe Ryan was abruptly scratched from his first spring start, the Twins provided a positive update on the right-hander who is set to be the team’s ace in 2026. Additionally, another Twins pitcher working his way back from injury is making progress.

Ryan diagnosed with back inflammation

The Twins announced that Joe Ryan was diagnosed with back inflammation. This news came one day after Ryan was scratched from his scheduled Grapefruit League start on February 21.

It’s good news for the Twins, as Minnesota looks to figure out what the 2026 rotation will look like without Pablo Lopez.

Festa faced hitters

Speaking of the Twins, David Festa faced batters in live at-bats over the weekend. Per the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, the right-hander was sitting 91-92 MPH.

Festa had been limited to bullpen sessions this month, as the Twins pitcher was working his way back from a compressed nerve in his right shoulder that shut him down last season.

The third-year right-hander is one of several young pitchers who will look to make the Twins’ rotation this year, alongside Zebby Matthews, Taj Bradley, and Mick Abel. Last season, Festa struck out 53 over 53.1 IP at the Major League level but posted an ERA of 5.40.

Brash unwell after tooth removal

Mariners reliever Matt Brash has been dealing with an obscure health issue in February.

Per the Seattle Times, Brash had a tooth removal this past week. However, Brash has dealt with complications after he spent several days at home recovering from the procedure.

Brash was a valuable reliever once more for the Mariners last season. During the regular season, he struck out 58 over 47.1 IP for Seattle. He’s tentatively set to be a high-leverage reliever again in 2026, alongside newcomer Jose A. Ferrer and closer Andres Munoz.