Twins Ace Joe Ryan Sidelined by Glute Strain After Five-Run Loss to Royals

Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan is headed for the injured list after an MRI confirmed a mild left glute strain sustained during his Tuesday start.

Minnesota Twins right-hander Joe Ryan is expected to be placed on the injured list following an MRI that confirmed a mild left glute strain. The diagnosis comes after the All-Star pitcher surrendered five runs—four of which were earned—and seven hits over 5⅓ innings during a loss to the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday. Ryan, who currently holds a 6-8 record for the season, has now suffered losses in three consecutive starts.

Following his performance against the AL Central-worst Royals, Ryan departed the Twins' road trip to return to Minnesota for an evaluation by team doctors. The MRI results revealed the lower-body issue was not as severe as initially feared, though the team anticipates a period of absence for their struggling ace. Despite the recent slump, Ryan maintains a 3.65 ERA across his 2026 campaign.

Manager Derek Shelton Evaluates Pitching Setback

Twins manager Derek Shelton addressed the media on Thursday, noting that the medical feedback was encouraging regarding the severity of the strain. Shelton observed that the right-hander has appeared out of sync and has not felt right physically during his recent outings. The coaching staff and front office plan to sit down as a group to discuss the specific steps forward for Ryan’s recovery and eventual return to the rotation.

Shelton emphasized that the timeline for the pitcher's return will depend heavily on how Ryan feels as he begins the rehabilitation process. The manager indicated that the team would wait and see how the glute responds to treatment before finalizing a schedule. This cautious approach follows Ryan's own admission of feeling physically off during his recent three-game losing streak.

Impact on American League Wild-Card Race

The loss of Joe Ryan occurs at a critical juncture for Minnesota, as the club remains in the thick of the American League wild-card race. Entering their Thursday night contest in Kansas City, the Twins trailed by exactly one game for the third and final wild-card position. The rotation must now navigate this deficit without their primary right-handed starter for an undetermined number of games.

Ryan’s inability to complete six innings on Tuesday added pressure to a Minnesota team fighting for postseason relevance. While the MRI showed the strain is mild, the Twins are forced to adjust their pitching depth while their ace seeks to regain the form that earned him All-Star honors. The organization has not yet named a replacement for his spot in the starting rotation for the remainder of the road trip.

Statistical Breakdown of Ryan's Recent Starts

Throughout his last three appearances, Joe Ryan has been unable to secure a victory, bringing his season win-loss total to 6-8. His most recent line of 5⅓ innings pitched with seven hits allowed represents a significant hurdle for a team sitting just outside the playoff bracket. The four earned runs allowed on Tuesday contributed to the widening gap between the Twins and the current wild-card leaders.

As the team continues its series against the Royals, the focus shifts to the health of Ryan’s left glute and his mechanical synchronization. The Twins will rely on their collective group to determine the next phase of his throwing program once the initial inflammation subsides. Further updates on his status are expected as the road trip concludes and the team returns to Minnesota.