The Minnesota Twins wrapped up a series again the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday and Joe Ryan was on the bump. Although he did allow a home run to Minnesota native Michael Busch, it was a third inning injury that drew the headlines.
Joe Ryan exits for Minnesota Twins
Rocco Baldelli had his best pitcher on the bump for the rubber match of the interleague series with the Chicago Cubs. Joe Ryan went out against Javier Asaad, and despite Michael Busch home run, he was rolling. Before recording an out in the third inning, Ryan threw a pitch and immediately signaled for trainer Nick Paparesta. It took a few innings to receive a diagnosis, but it has been defined as an arm injury.
Joe Ryan exited with right tricep tightness. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 7, 2024
Of course there isn’t ever going to be an update that suggests a player needs surgery during a contest. The hope is certainly that Minnesota avoided a serious malady for their star pitcher. Ryan has been the best arm in the rotation this year, and losing him for any period of time would be catastrophic.
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Just eight days after the trade deadline the Minnesota Twins are reaping what they sowed. Of course it falls on ownership, and their lack of a desire to spend money. That said, the front office was hamstrung with an inability to add talent in either the rotation or bullpen. Trevor Richards was the lone addition, and despite reverse splits, there is little to be excited about with the middle relief option.
Ryan bowing out of the rotation, for any period of time, would put a strain on the depth. Louie Varland is already set to start during Friday’s doubleheader, and Randy Dobnak is currently with the club. Zebby Matthews is virtually the only other starter remaining for Minnesota to call up.
Trevor Richards Ball to Mike Tauchman pic.twitter.com/quz6e7X6Fb
— Cubs Highlights (@Cubs_Highlights) August 7, 2024
In the wake of Ryan’s early departure, Richards came on and was nothing short of horrific. He threw just 41% strikes across 41 pitches while walking five. The new Twins reliever looked as hittable as his season numbers would suggest, and he will need at least the Thursday off day to pick himself up and dust himself off. Ultimately the Twins need the triceps injury to be little more than short maintenance for Ryan. Anything beyond that will be hard to manage.
The upcoming pair of series against the Guardians and Royals will almost certainly be played without Ryan. The Twins need to grab as many of those wins as possible.
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