The Minnesota Twins have placed starting pitcher Joe Ryan on the 15-day injured list due to a serious muscle strain in his throwing shoulder. This injury is particularly challenging as the team is about to begin a crucial homestand against two key division rivals and playoff contenders.
Ryan has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 strain of the teres major, a muscle connecting the shoulder blade to the upper arm. Manager Rocco Baldelli stated that Ryan could be out for “weeks to months,” but did not rule out a possible return this season.
Ryan, with a 7-7 record, a 3.60 ERA, and 147 strikeouts over 135 innings this season, experienced pain and discomfort during his last start on Wednesday, leading to his early exit.
“It’s a tough blow,” Baldelli said. “It’s going to take time to heal, and he’ll do everything he can to get back, but it’s going to be a while.”
Ryan plans to seek a second opinion before the team sets a recovery timeline, with less than seven weeks left in the regular season.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Chris Paddack has been sidelined for three weeks with a strained forearm, and his return remains uncertain. However, Derek Falvey, president of baseball operations, mentioned that Paddack may soon begin a throwing program, with hopes of returning before the season ends.
Joe Ryan left the game in the 3rd inning.
The Twins opted not to acquire expensive starting pitchers before the trade deadline, leaving them to rely on two rookies, David Festa and Simeon Woods Richardson, to support Pablo López and Bailey Ober in the rotation.
“When you reach the deadline and things don’t go as planned, you know you’ll have to rely on your internal options,” Falvey said. “We believe our internal group can step up and play a significant role down the stretch.”
Louie Varland was called up from Triple-A St. Paul to start the second game of the doubleheader against the Guardians, who entered the series with a 3½-game lead over the Twins in the division race.
“You never plan trades based on potential injuries, nor do you avoid trades assuming everyone will stay healthy,” López said. “Hindsight is always easier than foresight. It does make things tougher.
Teams that acquire players at the deadline and face injuries can hold on a little longer.”
The Twins also placed rookie infielder Brooks Lee on the 10-day injured list due to right biceps tendinitis. Infielder Kyle Farmer, who had missed 18 games with a strained right shoulder, was activated early from his rehab assignment to replace Lee.
Reliever Scott Blewett was promoted from Triple-A St. Paul, and reliever Brock Stewart was moved to the 60-day injured list after being diagnosed with a condition requiring arthroscopic shoulder surgery, ending his season.
Joe Ryan pitches in the 1st inning.
The Twins welcomed back center fielder Byron Buxton on Friday after he missed three games due to a back injury from a collision with the wall. However, All-Star shortstop Carlos Correa, who has been out for nearly a month with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, remained sidelined with no rehab assignment scheduled.
“I’m not sure we’ll get to a point where he feels 100%, but at this stage of the season, I doubt many players are,” Falvey said.
“Carlos will decide when he’s ready. We trust him to know what he can play through and manage.”
Correa mentioned he has started sprinting with minimal pain but will wait to see how his foot responds in the coming days before taking the next step.
“We hoped I’d return sooner, but we’re controlling what we can and working hard every day to get back on the field,” Correa said. “I can’t wait to be out there with the team again.”
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