Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Joe Ryan began the season like he usually does, pitching like one of the best pitchers in baseball. Before the All-Star break, Ryan posted a 2.85 ERA with a 1.05 WHIP and 128 strikeouts across 110 1/3 innings.
Then, in classic Ryan fashion, the right-hander's performance dropped off significantly in the second half of the season. Ryan recorded a rough 9.39 ERA in 15 1/3 innings across three starts after the All-Star break before being placed on the injured list with a left glute strain on Aug. 7.
Ryan has a strong 3.17 ERA over 516 2/3 innings in the first half of the season throughout his big-league career. In the second half, Ryan has a poor 5.00 ERA over 250 1/3 innings.
Twins need best version of Joe Ryan to make deep postseason run
Hopefully Ryan's time on the IL is giving his arm the rest it needs to return to form. If the Twins are going to make a deep playoff run, or make the playoffs at all, it's hard to imagine they can do it without Ryan pitching at his best.
Given how tight the postseason standings are, a handful of strong starts from Ryan to finish the regular season could end up clinching the Twins a playoff berth. But if Ryan remains on the IL longer than expected or continues to struggle upon returning, it could be what keeps the Twins from playing in October.
AL Wild Card standings
Team | Record | Games Back |
|---|---|---|
New York Yankees | 73-55 (.570) | +9.5 |
Boston Red Sox | 69-59 (.539) | +5.5 |
Texas Rangers | 64-65 (.496) | |
Minnesota Twins | 63-66 (.488) | 1.0 |
Cleveland Guardians | 63-66 (.488) | 1.0 |
Toronto Blue Jays | 63-67 (.485) | 1.5 |
Baltimore Orioles | 62-67 (.481) | 2.0 |
Detroit Tigers | 61-67 (.477) | 2.5 |
Seattle Mariners | 61-68 (.473) | 3.0 |
As for the division standings, the Twins are 4 1/2 games behind the Chicago White Sox for first place in the American League Central. While that's a steep hill to climb, the Twins have six games remaining against Chicago, so they control their own destiny.
Ryan may be the key to the Twins staying in the playoff race. He could also be the key to the Twins making a deep postseason run if they make it that far.
If Minnesota makes the playoffs, Ryan will likely be the team's No. 1 starter. In both the Wild Card and Divisional rounds, teams will need a three-man starting rotation. Right-hander Taj Bradley would likely be the Twins' No. 2 starter. The third starter could come down to who performs best between now and the end of the regular season. As of now, it appears that right-hander Dean Kremer is the main candidate to be the Twins' No. 3 postseason starter.
If Minnesota makes the playoffs, the team will likely need the best version of Ryan to make a deep run. If the Twins can count on Ryan to perform like a star in his playoff starts this year (if they make it), it's not insane to suggest they could go far into the postseason.
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