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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Joe Ryan, 29-year-old Minnesota Twins right-hander and ace of the rotation, exited his start on May 3rd after just 9 pitches due to right elbow soreness. MRI imaging revealed no structural damage. Ryan has progressed well through recovery: played catch on Tuesday without incident, threw a successful bullpen session on Wednesday with good velocity and offspeed stuff, and is on track to make his next scheduled start Saturday against Cleveland. Ryan expressed relief at "dodging a bullet" and reported feeling comfortable throwing. He is the Twins' primary ace following Pablo Lopez's Tommy John surgery in February.
Strengths
- + No structural damage confirmed by MRI
- + Successful catch session with no discomfort
- + Bullpen session showed good velocity and effective offspeed pitches
- + On track to make next scheduled start without IL placement
- + Strong track record of durability with 30+ starts in recent seasons
- + Established ace with 3.79 ERA, 27.5% strikeout rate, and 5.7% walk rate
- + First All-Star selection in 2025
- + Proactive medical approach minimized injury risk
Weaknesses
- - Unexpected elbow soreness in first inning is concerning for pitcher health
- - Fly-ball pitcher with history of being homer-prone
- - Lack of premium velocity creates vulnerability
- - Organization already depleted with Pablo Lopez out for season
- - Uncertainty about long-term durability despite clean imaging
Injury Status: day-to-day -- Right elbow soreness with no structural damage; cleared for return to competition
About
Ryan Middendorf is a rp for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
RP
Chicago Cubs