Joe Ryan's Injury: 'Throwing Underwater' Derails All-Star Season
Edited by Casualplayhub News Editorial. Source: InForum Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Joe Ryan has been one of the Minnesota Twins' most reliable arms this season, earning a second consecutive All-Star nod with a 2.85 ERA before the break. But the second half has been a different story. The right-hander gave up a franchise-record six home runs in his first start after the All-Star Game, then allowed four earned runs in each of his next two outings. The sudden collapse was alarming for a pitcher who had been so dominant. Now fans know why: a glute strain that Ryan says made him feel like he was throwing underwater.
'I think when you start thinking about throwing knuckleballs in situations, it's probably time to figure something out,' Ryan said, reflecting on his struggles. The Twins sent him home from a recent road trip for imaging, which revealed the strain. He was promptly placed on the 15-day injured list. Ryan acknowledged that he knew when the issue began flaring up but tried to push through it. That decision backfired. 'Everything else was just kind of crumbling around it,' he explained. 'It just felt like I was throwing underwater for three outings, and bullpens and stuff.'
Over three post-break starts, Ryan posted a 9.39 ERA, surrendering 16 earned runs in 15.1 innings. He admitted that ego played a role in his decision to keep pitching. 'When you're on a heater and you're throwing pretty well, I don't want to say ego gets in there, but I think it does,' Ryan said. 'I want to go out there and throw and do my best to help the team get to the playoffs, and add at the deadline. And you just realize, it does the opposite for the team.' The injury threw off his mechanics and led to bad habits that he now has to correct.
General manager Jeremy Zoll said the strain does not appear to be serious. Ryan has been playing catch on flat ground, and the team will evaluate his progress before deciding next steps. 'We want to make sure that we don't try to push him along and end up on this spiral or hamster wheel,' Zoll stated. 'We're trying to thread the needle on not having him down too long, so it doesn't require too long of a buildup, but we want to make sure everything is resolved. So, as he progresses to mound work, he can make the mechanical adjustments he's trying to make and get back to the prime form we know he's capable of.'
In other Twins news, outfielder Byron Buxton came through a pregame workout without issues. Manager Derek Shelton, who threw batting practice for the first time in seven years, joked that his arm was sore, but Buxton looked good. 'Watching him go through everything he went through, he looked really good,' Shelton said. 'We have to test. And today he comes in and it's an encouraging sign.' Buxton, on the IL with a hip injury, is not expected to go on a rehab assignment. Zoll expressed hope for activation within the next few days.
Meanwhile, ticket prices for Thursday's Field of Dreams game between the Twins and Philadelphia Phillies in Dyersville, Iowa, have skyrocketed. The average price is $990, according to TickPick, making it the second most expensive regular-season game ever, behind only the inaugural 2021 Field of Dreams game. The game will be played at a new permanent ballpark at the movie site, seating about 8,000 fans.
For the series finale against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, the Twins plan to start Zebby Matthews, who has a 5-8 record and 5.23 ERA. Matthews has been dealing with a cut or blister on his foot that has flared up in multiple starts, but Zoll said the team does not believe it will require an IL stint or limit his performance.
Article commentary
Joe Ryan's admission that he felt like he was 'throwing underwater' because of a glute strain offers a rare window into the physical and mental toll that injuries take on elite athletes. The All-Star pitcher's decision to push through pain is a familiar story in professional sports, where competitiveness often overrides caution. Ryan's case, however, underscores a critical lesson: even a minor injury can cascade into major mechanical breakdowns, turning a Cy Young-caliber pitcher into a liability. The Twins' handling of the situation—sending him home for imaging, placing him on the IL, and emphasizing a measured return—reflects a modern approach to player health. Teams are increasingly aware that rushing back can lead to longer absences or chronic issues. Zoll's mention of not wanting to get on a 'hamster wheel' is particularly telling; it acknowledges the frustration of repeating cycles of injury and poor performance. Ryan's honesty about ego is refreshing. Many players shy away from admitting that pride influences their decisions. But his comments reveal a deeper tension: the desire to help the team versus the reality of hurting it. That self-awareness could be a turning point. For the Twins, who are in a playoff hunt, losing Ryan for any extended period is a blow. But if he returns fully healthy, the short-term pain may be worth it. The team's depth will be tested, especially with Buxton also sidelined. The outfielder's progress is encouraging, and his likely return without a rehab stint suggests the hip issue is not as severe as feared. Beyond the injury narrative, the Field of Dreams game ticket prices highlight how nostalgia and scarcity drive demand. Nearly $1,000 average for a regular-season game is staggering, but it also speaks to the enduring appeal of the event. The new permanent ballpark adds to the allure. For the Twins, playing in such a high-profile game could be a morale boost, especially if Ryan and Buxton are back soon. The team's rotation depth, with Zebby Matthews battling a foot issue, remains a concern. Matthews' blister problem is reminiscent of the kind of niggling injuries that can derail a pitcher's season if not managed properly. Overall, this story is a microcosm of baseball's broader challenges: managing injuries, balancing ego with team needs, and capitalizing on unique opportunities like the Field of Dreams game. The Twins' approach—transparent, cautious, and patient—is a model for how to handle adversity. Ryan's recovery will be a key storyline to watch, as will the team's ability to stay competitive without their ace.