Full Breakdown
Joe Ryan’s Glute Strain Sends Minnesota Twins’ Rotation Into Turmoil
8/8/2026, 1:59:14 AM
Core Event: Ace Pitcher Lands on the 15-Day Injured List
The Twins placed right-hander Joe Ryan on the 15-day injured list after an MRI confirmed a mild left glute strain. Manager Derek Shelton described the strain as “not serious,” but no timetable for Ryan’s return was given.
Recent Performance and Decline
Before the injury, Ryan led the rotation with a 6-8 record, 3.65 ERA and 138 strikeouts over 125.2 innings. He earned an All-Star nod with a 2.85 ERA before the break. Since then, over 15.1 innings he allowed 17 runs (16 earned) and struck out only 10 batters, while his fastball dipped to 92.1 mph from a season average of 93.4 mph.
Twins’ Pitching Woes Extend Beyond Ryan
Ryan’s injury adds to a growing list of setbacks:
- Pablo López – out for the season after elbow surgery.
- David Festa – sidelined with shoulder and thoracic outlet procedures.
- Cole Sands – season ended by elbow surgery.
- Anthony Banda – out after a torn lat repair.
- Byron Buxton – dealing with a right hip strain.
Roster Adjustments in Response
To fill Ryan’s spot, the Twins recalled right-hander Zebby Matthews from Triple-A St. Paul. Matthews posted a 4-8 record with a 5.22 ERA this season and has a career 10-18 record with a 5.64 ERA. He struck out 10 batters in a July 31 start against Seattle.
The club also leans on trade-deadline acquisitions Dean Kremer, Jeff Hoffman, and A.J. Minter. Kremer’s debut allowed one run over five innings; Hoffman and Minter are expected to shoulder a larger bullpen load.
Statistical Impact on the Playoff Chase
At the time of Ryan’s IL placement, the Twins were half a game behind the Texas Rangers for the final AL wild-card spot and three games back of the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. Fangraphs projected a 26.6 % chance of reaching the postseason. Losing a starter with Ryan’s strikeout ability compresses that probability given the thin rotation depth.
Official Statements & Responses
Manager Shelton emphasized the strain “is not serious” but said the team will monitor Ryan’s feeling before deciding on a return. Team physician Christopher Camp confirmed the MRI findings and noted the injury can affect a pitcher’s mechanics.
What’s Next
Ryan must remain on the injured list for at least 15 days. The Twins will continue to rely on Matthews, Kremer, and the bolstered bullpen as they face series against the Orioles, Phillies, Braves, Padres, White Sox, and Tigers. Their wild-card push now hinges on Ryan’s recovery and the interim pitchers’ ability to deliver quality innings.
