Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Ryan has been sidelined for the rest of the season after a second opinion confirmed a serious muscle strain in his throwing shoulder. This unfortunate news was delivered by Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, marking a significant setback for the team’s playoff aspirations.
Ryan, who has been a reliable starter for the Twins, underwent an evaluation by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in California. The examination corroborated the team’s initial diagnosis of a Grade 2 strain in the teres major muscle, a crucial muscle connecting the shoulder blade to the upper arm. According to Twins trainer Nick Paparesta, the injury will keep Ryan out for an extended period, likely several weeks.
“Dr. ElAttrache confirmed our findings of a Grade 2 teres major strain,” Paparesta stated. “Joe will be out for a while, probably weeks, and we’ll reassess him then. We’re not giving up on the season yet, so we’ll see how he’s doing later.”
The injury initially led to Ryan being placed on the 15-day injured list, but the severity of the strain has now ruled him out for the remainder of the regular season. This is a blow for the Twins, who are fighting for a playoff spot with just over six weeks left in the season.
Ryan, who has a record of 7-7 with a 3.60 ERA, had been a key contributor to the Twins’ rotation. He was pulled from his start on August 7 against the Chicago Cubs due to discomfort in his shoulder. Over 23 starts this season, he has amassed 147 strikeouts and 23 walks across 135 innings.
Despite the setback, Paparesta expressed optimism about Ryan’s recovery, noting that similar injuries have been successfully treated in other players. However, the Twins will now have to navigate the remainder of the season without one of their most dependable arms.
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