TOUCHDOWN: Minnesota Twins baseball Pitcher Joe Ryan has been Banned and suspended from sport activities by MLB community as he was tested and confirmed positive of….see more

In a stunning and deeply disappointing development that has shaken the Minnesota Twins organization and Major League Baseball (MLB) at large, star pitcher Joe Ryan has been officially suspended and banned from all baseball activities after testing positive for a banned performance-enhancing substance in a routine drug screening conducted by the MLB community’s anti-doping commission.

The announcement was made early Friday morning by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, who confirmed that Ryan will face a 162-game suspension, effective immediately — the equivalent of an entire MLB season. The test results, conducted as part of MLB’s enhanced 2025 in-season testing protocol, reportedly revealed the presence of Stanozolol, a synthetic anabolic steroid long banned by professional sports organizations due to its performance-enhancing and muscle-building effects.

Shockwaves Across the League

This development marks one of the most significant disciplinary actions taken against a high-profile MLB pitcher in recent years. Joe Ryan, 28, has been a key figure in the Minnesota Twins’ rotation since his MLB debut in 2021. Known for his deceptive fastball, confident mound presence, and improving strikeout numbers, Ryan was regarded as a pillar of the Twins’ future and a potential long-term ace.

Now, that future is in serious jeopardy.

In a statement released by the league, Commissioner Rob Manfred did not mince words:

“The integrity of our game depends on the commitment of our athletes to abide by the rules — on and off the field. The use of banned substances undermines fair competition and compromises the trust fans place in our sport. Joe Ryan has violated that trust.”

Joe Ryan Responds: “I Made a Terrible Mistake”

Shortly after the announcement, Joe Ryan released a public apology through his agent, admitting fault and expressing deep remorse for his actions.

“To my teammates, my coaches, the Twins organization, and especially the fans — I am truly sorry. I made a terrible mistake in judgment. I was dealing with lingering fatigue, pressure to perform, and I let that pressure cloud my better instincts. I take full responsibility.”

He continued:

“This suspension is deserved. I accept the consequences and will use this time to reflect, grow, and hopefully return someday to the game I love — the right way.”

Minnesota Twins Organization Responds

The Minnesota Twins organization released a brief but firm statement expressing disappointment while pledging support for Ryan’s personal rehabilitation.

“We are deeply disappointed by the actions that led to this suspension. Joe Ryan is a talented pitcher and valued member of our team. While we do not condone his decision, we remain committed to helping him through the challenges ahead. This is a difficult moment for the Twins family, but our focus remains on upholding the standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism that define this franchise.”

Twins Manager Rocco Baldelli and teammates declined to take questions following the team’s loss to the Royals Friday night but were reportedly briefed prior to the public announcement.

The Fallout: What This Means for the Twins

Joe Ryan’s absence leaves a gaping hole in the Twins’ starting rotation during a critical point in the 2025 season. The club is currently battling for second place in the AL Central behind the Detroit Tigers and had hoped Ryan would anchor a rotation that includes Bailey Ober, Louie Varland, and Pablo López.

MLB analysts suggest that the Twins may now have to lean heavily on minor league depth or explore emergency trade options, even after the trade deadline, which passed just days ago.

MLB Network’s Joel Sherman commented:

“This is a devastating blow. Joe Ryan wasn’t just a top starter — he was a psychological anchor for that team. This puts massive pressure on the rest of the rotation.”

Fan Reactions: Disbelief, Anger, and Support

Social media exploded in the hours following the announcement, with reactions ranging from heartbreak to outrage to cautious forgiveness.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags like #JoeRyanSuspended, #TwinsSetback, and #PlayCleanMLB quickly began trending.

@TwinsFaithful_89 tweeted:

“Say it ain’t so, Joe. We believed in you. This one hurts.”

@MLBCleanGame posted:

“Another one bites the dust. When will players learn? Zero tolerance. MLB did the right thing.”

Meanwhile, others showed compassion:

@BaseballMinded24 wrote:

“People make mistakes. He admitted it. Let’s give him a chance to grow from this.”

League-Wide Implications: A Statement Suspension

Joe Ryan’s suspension sends a powerful message to the rest of the league. In recent years, MLB has stepped up its efforts to curb the use of performance-enhancing drugs through more frequent testing, harsher penalties, and increased player education.

MLB spokesperson Jeanette Wallace noted:

“This is about maintaining the purity of the game. We will continue to take decisive action whenever a player violates that principle.”

Ryan’s case will likely be studied for years as both a cautionary tale and a turning point in the league’s continuing fight for clean competition.

What Happens Next?

With his suspension effective immediately, Joe Ryan will be placed on MLB’s Restricted List, removing him from the Twins’ 40-man roster. He will forfeit the remainder of his 2025 salary, estimated at $5.1 million, and must complete a mandatory rehabilitation and compliance program before applying for reinstatement in 2026.

He is barred from all team facilities, practices, and public MLB events but may seek treatment and guidance through the MLB Players Association’s counseling resources.

The earliest Ryan could return to professional baseball would be August 2026, pending successful completion of all league-mandated steps and team review.

Final Thoughts: A Fall from Grace, A Hope for Redemption

Joe Ryan’s suspension is more than a disciplinary story — it’s a stark reminder of the pressures professional athletes face and the consequences of poor decisions under that pressure.

From promising young ace to suspended pitcher, Ryan’s journey now takes a dramatic detour. Whether he returns to baseball, and whether fans embrace him again, will depend not on the pitches he throws in the future — but on the integrity he chooses to live by going forward.