Full Breakdown
Twins Ace Joe Ryan Leaves Game Early with Elbow Soreness, Relievers Secure 4-3 Win
5/4/2026, 1:06:09 AM
Early Exit Highlights Injury Concerns
On May 3, 2026, at Target Field in Minneapolis, Twins right-hander Joe Ryan was removed after facing only two Blue Jays batters. He struck out leadoff hitter Yohendrick Pinango, then walked Kazuma Okamoto on a full count before signaling to catcher Victor Caratini and the dugout. After a brief discussion with manager Derek Shelton and an athletic trainer, Ryan left with right-elbow soreness, having thrown nine pitches.
Background: Ryan’s Role and Twins’ Rotation
Ryan entered 2026 as Minnesota’s ace after former All-Star Pablo Lopez missed the season following Tommy John surgery in February. The 2025 All-Star held a 2-3 record, 3.76 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 38.1 innings through seven starts. He has been remarkably healthy, logging seven starts this season and 30 starts last year. The Twins’ rotation has been thin, with Lopez out, rookie Mick Abel dealing with a sore arm, and a bullpen ERA of 5.48 entering the game.
Game Data: Pitching Performance and Outcome
Ryan’s nine-pitch stint yielded one strikeout and one walk. Reliever Andrew Morris threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two hits, one walk and striking out three. Taylor Rogers gave up a single run in 2 1/3 innings. Justin Topa allowed two runs in the ninth, including a two-run homer by Okamoto, but closed with a save after a game-ending double play. The bullpen, which entered the game with a league-worst 5.48 ERA, limited the damage to one run overall. Minnesota won 4-3.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Derek Shelton said Ryan reported feeling something in his elbow and that the team was “getting him evaluated.” He called the situation “unfortunate, especially this early in the game,” but added the staff would “deal with it” and hoped Ryan was “in a good spot.” The Twins said medical staff will monitor his progress and decide on further action.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we walked out, he said he felt something in his elbow and I think there’s some elbow soreness in there,” — Derek Shelton, Twins manager (NY Post)
- “We’re getting him evaluated.” — Derek Shelton, Twins manager (NY Post)
- “It’s unfortunate, especially this early in the game, but it’s something we have to deal with and hopefully he’s in a good spot.” — Derek Shelton, Twins manager (NY Post)
Impact on Rotation and Upcoming Schedule
Ryan’s early exit leaves Minnesota without its top starter for the next game, increasing pressure on a rotation already thin from Lopez’s season-ending surgery and Abel’s sore arm. The club will likely turn to right-hander Taj Bradley, scheduled to start against Washington on Tuesday. The Twins remain 3½ games behind the AL Central leader, so the medical evaluation of Ryan’s elbow—potentially leading to a 15-day injured-list stint—will shape their postseason push. The 4-3 victory also preserved a home-field advantage in the series, preventing a sweep.
