Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Joe Ryan, 29-year-old Twins right-hander, exited his start in the first inning due to elbow soreness but received excellent news when imaging revealed no structural damage. He has progressed well through recovery, completing catch sessions and a bullpen workout where he reported good velocity and effective offspeed stuff. Ryan is on track to make his next start Saturday in Cleveland, avoiding the injured list entirely. This represents a best-case scenario for the Twins after an initial scare.
Strengths
- + No structural damage confirmed by MRI
- + Successfully completed bullpen session with good velocity
- + Offspeed pitches working well
- + Cleared multiple recovery hurdles quickly
- + On track to avoid injured list
- + Experienced pitcher with strong track record (3.79 ERA, 27.5% K rate, 5.7% BB rate)
- + Likely to start Saturday as scheduled
Weaknesses
- - Recent elbow soreness/discomfort
- - Felt unfamiliar discomfort on multiple pitches during last start
- - Fly-ball pitcher with homer-prone tendencies
- - Lacks premium velocity
- - Only lasted 9 pitches in most recent appearance
Injury Status: day-to-day -- Elbow soreness with no structural damage confirmed by MRI; cleared to return to competition
About
Joe Kelly is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs