Minnesota Twins General Manager Terry Ryan Has Cancer

As Spring Training approaches for the Minnesota Twins, they will be without a key figure. General Manager Terry Ryan has been diagnosed with cancer and will be staying back in Minnesota so he can focus on his treatment and recovery.

The Twins released a statement from Ryan on Monday, saying that there was a lump discovered in his neck during a routine annual physical. After a biopsy it was discovered that they lump was cancer. He is being treated by the Mayo Clinic and Minnesota Oncology.

Dec 6, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Twins general manager Terry Ryan is interviewed on the MLB Network during the Major League Baseball winter meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan says further tests indicated the cancer appeared to be confined to his neck and had not spread. He said, “I’ve been assured this form of cancer is treatable and remain optimistic about my return to good health in the near future.”

Ryan continued his statement with, “We are grateful for the many friends and colleagues who have sent their well wishes and support throughout this challenging time. It’s my intention to see you back at the ballpark as soon as possible.”

You can read the rest of Terry Ryan’s statement here.