Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Joe Ryan, 29-year-old right-hander for the Twins, exited his start against the Blue Jays in the first inning after just 9 pitches due to elbow discomfort. An MRI revealed no structural damage, which is excellent news. Ryan is scheduled to throw a bullpen session and may avoid the injured list entirely. He has been one of the steadier pitchers in the AL since 2021, posting a 3.79 ERA with a strong 27.5% strikeout rate and excellent 5.7% walk rate across 123 appearances.
Strengths
- + No structural damage confirmed via MRI
- + Already completed catch play
- + Scheduled bullpen session shows positive progression
- + Consistent performer with 3.79 ERA since 2021
- + Excellent walk rate at 5.7%
- + Strong strikeout rate at 27.5%
- + May avoid IL placement entirely
- + Cautious approach by player and team reduces re-injury risk
Weaknesses
- - Elbow discomfort is concerning for a pitcher
- - Experienced unfamiliar discomfort on multiple pitches
- - Prone to home runs due to fly-ball tendencies and lack of premium velocity
- - Early exit from start raises durability questions
- - Possible 15-day IL placement still possible
Injury Status: day-to-day -- Elbow discomfort with no structural damage; MRI negative; scheduled for bullpen session
About
Ryan Aguilar is a right fielder for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RF
Chicago Cubs