Joe Ryan's recent struggles make more sense after Twins reveal injury update

After posting a 2.85 ERA through 110 1/3 innings before the All-Star break, Minnesota Twins right-handed starting pitcher Joe Ryan has allowed 17 runs (16 earned) on 25 hits (seven home runs) and two walks in 15 1/3 innings over his last three starts. Ryan is clearly not himself, and a recent injury update may offer an explanation for the right-hander's struggles.

According to The Athletic's Dan Hayes, Ryan is returning to Minneapolis to be evaluated for glute and back issues. Hayes wrote that manager Derek Shelton said that Ryan has already left the club to be looked at by team Physician Christopher Camp in Minnesota.

Before the news broke that Ryan left the team, the Twins ace made it clear that he isn't feeling 100 percent.

Ryan's first start after the All-Star break was easily his worst of the season, as the right-hander allowed the most home runs (six) in a single game in franchise history. He became the 12th starting pitcher to surrender six home runs in an outing since 1900.

Ryan was outdueled by former Twins right-hander Randy Dobnak (now with the Kansas City Royals) in his last two starts. On July 29, Ryan allowed four earned runs on eight hits over six innings at Target Field. On Tuesday, Ryan surrendered five runs (four earned) on seven hits and two walks in 5 1/3 innings at Kauffman Stadium.

Should the Twins have traded Joe Ryan before the deadline?

Naturally, Ryan's injury news is going to spark this question among the fanbase: Should the Twins have dealt Ryan before the deadline?

Given the direction the club took before the deadline, the answer is no. Owner Tom Pohlad allowed general manager Jeremy Zoll to buy before the deadline, as the team acquired Jeff Hoffman from the Toronto Blue Jays, A.J. Minter from the New York Mets and Dean Kremer from the Baltimore Orioles. Ryan, who has been the Twins' best starting pitcher for most of the season, needed to remain on the Twins' roster if the team's plan is to compete this year.

Still, if Ryan, who is under team control through next season, lands on the injured list, it's going to be difficult for many fans not to think that trading him would've been the correct decision. Obviously, hindsight is 20/20, and no one can predict injuries. But his first two starts after the All-Star break came before the deadline, and Ryan's second-half ERA throughout his career is shockingly just shy of 5.00.

Hopefully, Ryan isn't out for too long and helps lead the Twins to a postseason berth, creating a situation where no fans should be upset that Minnesota kept him.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow