![\"Detroit](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_122,w_3618,h_2035\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/2\/01kqt7dfraw4nph50v51.jpg\")
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The Minnesota Twins<\/strong> received a major blow to their rotation as starter Joe Ryan<\/strong> exited Sunday\u2019s game against the Toronto Blue Jays<\/strong> after facing just two batters due to right elbow soreness<\/strong>. While the team has not yet disclosed the severity of Ryan\u2019s injury, concerns are mounting that he could miss significant time, potentially derailing Minnesota\u2019s already slim playoff aspirations.<\/p>\n Ryan, who has posted a 3.72 ERA over 38 2\/3 innings in 2026<\/strong>, is a key figure in the Twins\u2019 rotation. Any extended absence\u2014whether from inflammation or more serious elbow issues\u2014would leave a gaping hole, especially after Pablo L\u00f3pez underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in February<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal<\/strong>, a back-to-back AL Cy Young Award winner<\/strong>, is set for arthroscopic surgery<\/strong> to remove loose bodies from his left throwing elbow, a procedure that typically sidelines pitchers for 2\u20133 months. Skubal\u2019s injury could slightly improve the Twins\u2019 postseason odds<\/strong>, particularly in the highly competitive AL Central<\/strong>, where every win matters.<\/p>\n However, even with Skubal temporarily out of commission, Ryan\u2019s potential absence dramatically reduces Minnesota\u2019s chances. The team faces a combination of challenges: a struggling bullpen, underperforming position players like Matt Wallner, Royce Lewis, and Luke Keaschall<\/strong>, and uncertainty surrounding the rest of the starting rotation.<\/p>\n As of early May 2026, the AL Central standings<\/strong> are as follows:<\/p>\n Even with Skubal set to miss significant time, the Twins would need near-perfect conditions\u2014healthy rotation, bullpen overhaul, and major offensive turnarounds from struggling hitters<\/strong>\u2014to claim a playoff berth in 2026.<\/p>\n While the AL Central is relatively weak this season, Minnesota\u2019s margin for error is extremely thin. Without Ryan, the team faces a nearly impossible path to the playoffs, even if the rest of the division falters. If Ryan can return quickly and maintain his form, there may still be hope for a Wild Card spot<\/strong>. But the consensus among analysts is that the Twins\u2019 postseason aspirations are highly unlikely without their ace<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Managerial and front-office decisions over the next few weeks\u2014including potential bullpen adjustments and trade considerations\u2014will be critical as the Twins attempt to navigate injuries and salvage their season.<\/p>\n The Minnesota Twins received a major blow to their rotation as starter Joe Ryan exited Sunday\u2019s game against the Toronto Blue Jays after facing just two batters… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":183328,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-183327","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\nSkubal\u2019s Injury Offers Slight Relief<\/h3>\n
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AL Central Standings and Context<\/h3>\n
![\"Joe](\"https:\/\/s.yimg.com\/uu\/api\/res\/1.2\/hOvpir7IBVX6pZ3fqFSXjw--~B\/Zmk9c3RyaW07aD0xODA7dz0yNDA7YXBwaWQ9eXRhY2h5b24-\/https:\/\/d29szjachogqwa.cloudfront.net\/images\/2026-05\/91bfb9c6-b8e0-4987-99ce-f4fa3c67bdf5.cf.webp\")
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Outlook for the Twins<\/h3>\n
Key Takeaways<\/h3>\n
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