Joe Ryan Returns to Mound After Long Injury Layoff

ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Joe Ryan, the Minnesota Twins pitcher, is set to make his first regular-season start since August 7, 2024, after recovering from a triceps strain. Ryan takes the mound against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium this Saturday afternoon.

After a challenging season riddled with injury, Ryan is aiming to replicate the success demonstrated by other pitchers overcoming similar setbacks. Drawing inspiration from Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto‘s standout postseason performance last year, Ryan expressed excitement about returning to play, stating, “Something to build my confidence was watching Yamamoto throwing in the postseason. He had dealt with a similar injury.”

During spring training, Ryan showed promising signs of his previous form, allowing only one run in 4 ⅔ innings against the Boston Red Sox and striking out 17 batters across 13 innings pitched in Grapefruit League play. “You remember why you’re here and what you’re doing,” Ryan said. “There’s just something about getting the games back that changes the mindset.”

Twins manager Rocco Baldelli shared his optimism regarding Ryan’s performance, noting, “His stuff keeps getting better. It all checked out.” Baldelli clearly values Ryan’s contributions for the 2025 season as the team seeks to bounce back from a disappointing 12-27 finish last season following Ryan’s injury.

The weather may pose a risk to Ryan’s return; rain is forecasted for Saturday morning, and delays similar to those seen during Thursday’s opener may occur. Despite the weather disruptions, the atmosphere at Busch Stadium remains electric as the Twins look to kick off their season with a victory.

In addition to Ryan’s return, the Twins faced challenges in Thursday’s opener, losing 5-3 to the Cardinals. Pablo López, who started that game, showed moments of vulnerability when pressured by the Cardinals, allowing four runs, two of which were earned, during a five-inning outing.

López’s inability to navigate these challenges is being addressed by both himself and his manager. “If we didn’t win, then it wasn’t a successful game,” López said, emphasizing the importance of execution. Meanwhile, Baldelli remained supportive, saying, “I think Pablo figured it out as the game went on.”

As the two teams gear up for the upcoming bout, Ryan’s performance could be key to the Twins’ success in their mission to return to playoff contention. Given Ryan’s stellar previous season statistics — a 3.60 ERA and a nearing strikeout rate of 10 per nine innings — fans are hopeful he can replicate similar success this season.

Ryan’s return marks a pivotal moment for the Twins as they compete in an increasingly demanding MLB landscape. They aim to improve their standings and reclaim their competitive edge now that one of their leading pitchers is back in top form.