Derek Shelton Comments on Importance of Joe Ryan’s Return to Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins got Joe Ryan back this past Monday as the 30-year-old veteran right-hander made his first start in nearly one month. Ryan missed the last four weeks due to a strained left glute muscle but continued throwing shortly after the injury and made just one appearance in the minor leagues before his activation.

Ryan took the loss against the Detroit Tigers in his first start back. He is not fully built up yet, throwing just 66 pitches across four innings of work.

His strikeout ability was on full display as he collected seven, but he did give up three runs and a home run which gave Detroit momentum they never relinquished. The Tigers earned a 5-4 win over Minnesota. It was not the return anyone hoped for but the simple fact of having him back and healthy is what matters most right now.

The Twins have collapsed in the second half and it is highly unlikely they make a run for the playoffs this year. Regardless, getting Ryan back will at least make that potential path less steep. Manager Derek Shelton was direct about what his return means for this team.

"It's extremely important getting Joe Ryan back. It is any time you get your Opening Day starter and your best pitcher back," Shelton said on an MLB Network Radio appearance.

As Shelton puts it, Ryan is still their best arm. He has earned back-to-back All-Star selections and on the year owns a 3.68 ERA with 145 strikeouts across 129 2/3 innings of work. Even in a lost season, having him healthy and pitching every five days gives Minnesota a chance to win games and finish the year on a positive note.

Ryan's name has continued to surface in trade rumors over the past couple of seasons, but this year has been a step in the right direction and there is a chance that even if they miss the playoffs he will be in a Twins uniform on Opening Day next year.

That would be his final season under team control, giving Minnesota the flexibility to compete in the first half and reassess at the deadline if needed.

The rotation should look better next year with Pablo Lopez and Mick Abel expected to return alongside Ryan and Taj Bradley.

The emerging young position player core featuring Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper gives this team a new offensive dimension to build around too.

That is a conversation for the offseason though. For now Ryan's focus is on finishing the year strong and giving this team everything he has over the final few weeks.