The Minnesota Twins received worrying news on Sunday as starting pitcher Joe Ryan exited a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays after facing just two batters due to right elbow soreness. While the severity of Ryan’s injury has not yet been disclosed, the Twins appear prepared to take a cautious approach, with an injured list (IL) stint likely.

Twins manager Derek Shelton addressed the injury but remained tight-lipped about specifics.

“We got imaging. We’ll kind of evaluate from there. We have the off day (Monday), and then we’ll go off that,” Shelton said to reporters, including Betsy Helfand of the Pioneer Press.

Potential Impact on the Rotation

Ryan’s health is critical for Minnesota’s playoff hopes. Alongside Pablo López, who is already out for the season following elbow surgery, Ryan anchors a rotation that now faces uncertainty. If the injury is minor, the team may only be without him for a short period, similar to Mick Abel, who landed on the 15-day IL on April 20 with elbow inflammation but already returned to bullpen sessions.

In the worst-case scenario, Ryan could have a torn UCL requiring Tommy John surgery, which would sideline him for the remainder of 2026 and potentially the start of the 2027 season. This outcome would not only eliminate Minnesota’s top-of-the-rotation starter but also remove a key trade asset for midseason transactions.

Rotation Adjustments

Should Ryan miss significant time, the Twins have several options to fill his rotation spot. Andrew Morris, who threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings in relief of Ryan on Sunday, could temporarily slot into the rotation. The team may also recall Zebby Matthews, who boasts a 2.37 ERA over his last four Triple-A starts with St. Paul.

Returning from his own IL stint, Mick Abel could eventually reclaim a spot in the rotation, though he would likely need a rehab start before rejoining the starting staff. This could push Simeons Woods Richardson, who has struggled with a 6.49 ERA over 34 2/3 innings, to retain his current rotation spot in the short term.

Possible 2026 Rotation Without Ryan

If Ryan is sidelined long-term, the Twins’ rotation could consist of:

• Mick Abel (upon rehab completion)
• Simeons Woods Richardson
• Taj Bradley
• Bailey Ober
• Connor Prielipp

This setup underscores the thin depth of Minnesota’s rotation and highlights the importance of player health as the season progresses.

Implications for Minnesota’s Season

With a 15-20 record, a struggling bullpen, and inconsistent performances from core hitters, the Twins face an uphill climb. Ryan’s potential absence diminishes postseason odds, especially in a division where the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers have built early leads.

If Ryan undergoes season-ending surgery, Minnesota may finish 2026 relying heavily on younger, less-experienced starters and bullpen arms. While a late-season turnaround is theoretically possible, the margin for error is now extremely slim.

Key Takeaways

• Joe Ryan: Exited game due to right elbow soreness; IL stint expected.
• Rotation Impact: Temporary fill-ins could include Andrew Morris, Zebby Matthews, and Mick Abel (post-rehab).
• Worst Case: Torn UCL, Tommy John surgery, missing rest of 2026 season.
• Team Outlook: With 15-20 record and bullpen struggles, Twins’ playoff chances significantly reduced without Ryan.