Twins' 2026 hopes could be dealt death blow with Joe Ryan news

The Minnesota Twins held on to pitchers Joe Ryan and Pablo Lopez during the 2025-26 offseason as they had hoped to contend for a playoff berth during the upcoming season.

Those hopes were dealt a significant blow as Lopez tore a ligament in his right elbow. He underwent internal brace surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2026 season, although he is expected to be ready for the 2027 season.

Ryan may join Lopez soon. He departed his outing on Sunday after nine pitches, motioning to the training staff after issuing a walk to Blue Jays third baseman Kazuma Okamoto. Dan Hayes of The Athletic reported that Ryan departed due to right elbow soreness. He will presumably undergo testing in the coming days to determine the severity of the injury.

Minnesota Twins may lose their best potential trade chip with Joe Ryan injury

Ryan had an injury scare during spring training as he was scratched from a start due to lower back soreness. However, he made three more starts in spring training and had taken the ball every fifth day for the Twins in the early going. Ryan had entered Sunday with a 3.76 ERA and a 1.076 WHIP over his 38.1 innings, striking out 39 batters with nine walks.

Losing Ryan for a significant amount of time would likely end the Twins faint playoff hopes. Starting pitcher Mick Abel and relievers David Festa, Garrett Acton and Cody Laweryson are also on the Injured List. While pitchers Taj Bradley and Bailey Ober have pitched well in the rotation, their remaining depth is mostly unproven or struggling.

Ryan would have been one of the best pitchers potentially available at the trade deadline had the Twins faltered. He has another year of team control after this season and could have brought back a better return than a rental option. 

The Twins' hopes may ride on how badly Joe Ryan's right elbow is injured. If he is out for an extended period, it may be time to look to 2027.