Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan is looking to make his return to the team.
The Minnesota Twins have been without their ace right-hander Joe Ryan since early August. The 30-year-old veteran was placed on the 15-day injured list after an MRI revealed a mild left glute strain.
Prior to going down, the two-time All-Star had struggled in the second half, indicating the injury may have been affecting his efficiency. Still, his numbers on the year remain strong, posting a 3.65 ERA, 1.138 WHIP and 138 strikeouts across 125 2/3 innings of work.
Without him, the Twins' rotation has been a liability. They were already down multiple arms before Ryan went down, with Mick Abel likely out for the year and Pablo Lopez shut down after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Ryan had to carry most of the load alongside Taj Bradley, making his absence particularly damaging for a team still trying to chase down a playoff spot in the final weeks of the regular season.
Fortunately, it was not an arm issue for Ryan, and he has been ramping up his throwing progression over the past week by participating in bullpen sessions. Now he is ready to take his first real step forward toward a return.
"Joe Ryan is scheduled to make a rehab start Tuesday with Triple-A St. Paul. Derek Shelton said the plan is for Ryan to throw three innings and/or around 45-50 pitches. It'll be Ryan's first game action in four weeks," reported Twins writer Aaron Gleeman.
Given that Ryan is not fully built up, it may take a few outings before he returns to the starting rotation. The Twins could also elect to bring him back sooner on a strict pitch limit given they are still trying to make the playoffs. Time is running out though, and Minnesota has not played good baseball in August, making every remaining game important.
For Ryan, his potential return comes during what could be his final months in Minnesota. He arrived back in 2021 in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays and over the past six seasons has been one of the most underrated pitchers in baseball.
With his value now fully established, this offseason could be the time for Minnesota to capitalize and build a sustainable contender, particularly if they do not intend to sign him to a long-term contract extension.
Whatever the future holds, Ryan has been one of the best trade acquisitions the Twins have ever made, and getting him back healthy gives this team its best legitimate chance at making the postseason.
