The Minnesota Twins finally have their ace back. The Twins activated Joe Ryan from the IL after a month-long stint on Monday morning, the team announced. He will start for the Twins against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Monday, according to SKOR North's Declan Goff. As a corresponding move, Minnesota optioned right-handed reliever Garrett Acton to Triple-A St. Paul.
We have made the following roster moves: pic.twitter.com/A2kQ04onwN
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) September 7, 2026
Ryan landed on the IL with a left glute strain on Aug. 7. His glute issue clearly began bothering him after the All-Star Break, as Ryan surrendered 16 earned runs in 15 1/3 innings across three starts before being placed on the IL. Before the break, the right-hander posted a 2.85 ERA with 128 strikeouts over 110 1/3 innings.
If Ryan returns to peak form with Minnesota, it'll obviously be a huge boost to the Twins' rotation. Since the day Ryan landed on the IL, the Twins' starting pitchers have ranked 24th in ERA (4.87), 23rd in walk rate (9.4%) and 22nd in batting average (.250).
Twins are likely not making playoffs even with Joe Ryan's return
Unfortunately, Ryan's return may have come too late to save the Twins' season. After an embarrassing 10-1 loss to the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Sunday night, Minnesota's record dropped to 68-75. The Twins are 4 1/2 games behind the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League Wild Card spot. According to FanGraphs, the Twins have a 3.6% chance to make the playoffs with 19 games left in the regular season.
Minnesota has a relatively easy schedule for the remainder of the season, so it wouldn't be insane if the club made a surprise postseason run. But given Minnesota's postseason odds, Twins fans should keep their expectations in check.
The Twins' front office has clearly not given up hope yet, as top prospects Walker Jenkins and Kaelen Culpepper have been playing every day and Byron Buxton is still attempting to return this season despite needing offseason hip surgery. Ryan's return also signals that the team's brass isn't ready to give up on the season.
Ryan's return could also be used as an audition for trade suitors. The right-hander is set to be a free agent at the end of the 2027 season. Unless the Twins are confident they can extend Ryan, 30, there's a strong chance they will trade him in the offseason. By finishing September strong, Ryan could increase his trade value.
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