Exhale, Twins fans. It seems Joe Ryan is going to be fine. There are still some hurdles to clear before it’s a sure thing, but it appears that the Twins’ ace is likely to make his next scheduled start.
Ryan, 29, played catch prior to Tuesday’s game in Washington and will throw a bullpen session on Wednesday as previously scheduled. An MRI revealed no structural damage in Ryan’s right elbow, so no transaction is required at this time. If all continues to progress well, he should be on track to make his next start over the weekend.
“Great to be out there,” Ryan told reporters in Washington. “A lot of emotions going through the last couple days, but yeah, felt really good just to throw the baseball and it felt comfortable coming out of my hands.”
Ryan was removed from Sunday’s win against the Blue Jays after two batters due to elbow soreness, and received imaging before the game was even over. He traveled with the Twins on Monday to Washington for a road trip that continues over the weekend in Cleveland.
“He went out and threw today, which was a really good sign, everything was normal,” manager Derek Shelton told reporters. “So he'll throw a bullpen tomorrow, and then if everything goes according to plan, he'll make his start on the regular day.”
Nothing has been officially announced beyond Ryan throwing off a mound Wednesday. His next regularly scheduled turn in the rotation would come Saturday against the Guardians.
In eight starts this year, Ryan is 2-3 with a 3.72 ERA. He’s struck out 40 against 10 walks over 38 2/3 innings. The right-hander missed time in Spring Training due to back discomfort but has dealt with very little arm trouble in his career.
The possibility of doing without Ryan was a daunting one for the Twins, who are already without co-ace Pablo López for the remainder of the season after López underwent elbow surgery in February. Right-hander Mick Abel is currently on the injured list recuperating from right elbow inflammation, but is progressing well.