Ryan K's 7, flashes shades of vintage self in return from rehab
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DETROIT – Joe Ryan probably would’ve liked different results, and almost certainly would like a couple of pitches back. But it’s hard to view his first game back after missing a month due to a left glute strain as anything but encouraging.
Ryan, activated from the injured list on Monday morning, pitched four innings in a Labor Day matinee vs. Detroit at Comerica Park. He allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits, striking out seven and walking one.
He hit two batters, including one with the bases loaded, and allowed a first-inning solo homer to Kevin McGonigle. But he also averaged 94 mph on his four-seam fastball, higher than his season average, and got 12 swinging strikes.
The right-hander threw 66 pitches, right around where the team had targeted for him, with a robust 46 (69.7 percent) going for strikes. Perhaps most encouraging, he retired the last eight batters he faced.