What's Happening?
Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan is reportedly close to rejoining the team's starting rotation, potentially as early as Monday in Detroit. This follows a successful bullpen session in Chicago and a promising rehab start for Triple-A St. Paul. During his rehab outing,
Ryan pitched three innings, allowing one earned run on one hit, striking out four, and issuing no walks. He threw 42 pitches, with 29 for strikes, and added approximately 10 more pitches in the bullpen. Crucially, Ryan reported feeling better as the outing progressed, a significant positive for his recovery from a left glute strain. He even extended his effort with a fourth inning in the bullpen to further test his physical response. While his fastball velocity was slightly lower than his season average, Ryan attributed this to the heat and not pushing for maximum velocity in a rehab setting, emphasizing that his competitive pitches maintained intensity.
Why It's Important?
Joe Ryan's potential return is critical for the Minnesota Twins, especially given his performance fluctuations before his injury. He had a strong first half of the season but struggled in three starts post-All-Star break, allowing 17 runs over 15 1/3 innings. His last start before landing on the injured list also showed a dip in fastball velocity. His successful rehab outing, particularly his improved physical feeling throughout the game, offers optimism that he can regain his earlier form. A healthy and effective Ryan would significantly bolster the Twins' pitching staff as they navigate the remainder of the season. His ability to return to his pre-injury performance levels will be key for the team's competitive aspirations, providing a much-needed boost to their rotation depth and overall pitching strength.
What's Next?
The Minnesota Twins are evaluating Joe Ryan's progress closely, with manager Derek Shelton indicating that a return during the current road trip is 'on the table.' Ryan is scheduled to throw another bullpen session this weekend, likely in Chicago. The team will then assess his condition to determine if he requires an additional rehab outing or if he is ready to rejoin the Major League rotation. The decision will hinge on his continued physical well-being and the team's confidence in his ability to perform at a high level. If he continues to show positive signs, his return could be imminent, potentially impacting the Twins' pitching strategy for upcoming games.
