![\"May](\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_crop,x_0,y_54,w_3337,h_1877\/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto\/images\/ImagnImages\/mmsport\/2\/01kqskmfyhdyfpr71ya1.jpg\")
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The Minnesota Twins<\/strong> received worrying news on Sunday as starting pitcher Joe Ryan<\/strong> exited a 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays<\/strong> after facing just two batters<\/strong> due to right elbow soreness<\/strong>. While the severity of Ryan\u2019s injury has not yet been disclosed, the Twins appear prepared to take a cautious approach, with an injured list (IL) stint likely<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Twins manager Derek Shelton<\/strong> addressed the injury but remained tight-lipped about specifics.<\/p>\n \u201cWe got imaging. We\u2019ll kind of evaluate from there. We have the off day (Monday), and then we\u2019ll go off that,\u201d Shelton said to reporters, including Betsy Helfand of the Pioneer Press<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ryan\u2019s health is critical for Minnesota\u2019s playoff hopes. Alongside Pablo L\u00f3pez<\/strong>, who is already out for the season following elbow surgery<\/strong>, 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<\/strong>, who landed on the 15-day IL on April 20 with elbow inflammation but already returned to bullpen sessions.<\/p>\n In the worst-case scenario, Ryan could have a torn UCL requiring Tommy John surgery<\/strong>, which would sideline him for the remainder of 2026 and potentially the start of the 2027 season. This outcome would not only eliminate Minnesota\u2019s top-of-the-rotation starter but also remove a key trade asset<\/strong> for midseason transactions.<\/p>\n Should Ryan miss significant time, the Twins have several options to fill his rotation spot. Andrew Morris<\/strong>, who threw 3 2\/3 scoreless innings<\/strong> in relief of Ryan on Sunday, could temporarily slot into the rotation. The team may also recall Zebby Matthews<\/strong>, who boasts a 2.37 ERA over his last four Triple-A starts<\/strong> with St. Paul.<\/p>\n Returning from his own IL stint, Mick Abel<\/strong> could eventually reclaim a spot in the rotation, though he would likely need a rehab start<\/strong> before rejoining the starting staff. This could push Simeons Woods Richardson<\/strong>, who has struggled with a 6.49 ERA over 34 2\/3 innings<\/strong>, to retain his current rotation spot in the short term.<\/p>\n If Ryan is sidelined long-term, the Twins\u2019 rotation could consist of:<\/p>\n This setup underscores the thin depth of Minnesota\u2019s rotation and highlights the importance of player health as the season progresses.<\/p>\n With a 15-20 record<\/strong>, a struggling bullpen, and inconsistent performances from core hitters, the Twins face an uphill climb. Ryan\u2019s potential absence diminishes postseason odds, especially in a division where the Cleveland Guardians<\/strong> and Detroit Tigers<\/strong> have built early leads.<\/p>\n If Ryan undergoes season-ending surgery<\/strong>, Minnesota may finish 2026 relying heavily on younger, less-experienced starters and bullpen arms. While a late-season turnaround is theoretically possible<\/strong>, the margin for error is now extremely slim.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" 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… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":183331,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-183330","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\n\n
Potential Impact on the Rotation<\/h3>\n
![\"On](\"https:\/\/pbs.twimg.com\/card_img\/2050986220935663617\/h4D5ksMt?format=jpg&name=orig\")
Rotation Adjustments<\/h3>\n
Possible 2026 Rotation Without Ryan<\/h3>\n
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Implications for Minnesota\u2019s Season<\/h3>\n
![\"Derek](\"https:\/\/www.newsday.com\/_next\/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.newsday.com%2Fimage-service%2Fversion%2Fc%3AY2FlNDY0N2YtNTg2Ny00%3AZTU0ZWQyNWMtMTQ4Zi00%2Fcopy-of-shelton-twins-baseball.jpeg%3Ff%3DLandscape%2B16%253A9%26w%3D770%26q%3D1&w=1920&q=80\")
<\/p>\nKey Takeaways<\/h3>\n
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