MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins starter Joe Ryan was removed from Sunday’s MLB Sunday Leadoff game on Peacock after two batters due to right elbow soreness.
Ryan struck out Yohendrick Piñango and walked Kazuma Okamoto, then called catcher Victor Caratini to the mound. Manager Derek Shelton and athletic trainer Masa Abe soon followed, and Ryan was removed from the game.
Ryan has dealt with a variety of health issues in his career, but for the most part has avoided arm troubles. He missed time in Spring Training this year due to back discomfort, and missed the final two months of the 2024 season with a muscle strain in the back of his shoulder.
To do without Ryan for any length of time would be a major blow for the Twins, who already lost co-ace Pablo López to season-ending elbow surgery in the spring. Righty Mick Abel, who appeared to be breaking out, is also sidelined with elbow inflammation, though he’s making good progress in his recovery.
Andrew Morris entered the game in relief and could be a candidate to take Ryan’s rotation spot if a replacement is needed. The Twins could also choose to keep Morris in relief, where he has showed some impressive flashes, and recall right-hander Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul. Matthews pitched in the Twins rotation in 2024 and ‘25, and has turned in three good starts in a row after a rough beginning to the season.
Ryan entered 2-3 with a 3.76 ERA in seven starts in 2026.