Twins 4, Astros 1: Elbow Scares Never Turn Out Well, But Joe Ryan is Built Different

[Sherry Cerny]

Image courtesy of © Jordan Johnson-Imagn Images

Box Score
SP: Joe Ryan - 6 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 9 K (99 pitches, 71 strikes (72% strikes)
Home Runs: Ryan Kriedler (3)
3 WPA: Ryan Kreidler (0.24); Joe Ryan (0.20); Victor Caratini (0.11)
Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

The rubber match of a series against the Astros Wednesday afternoon was also getaway day, and the telling contest of a nine-game homestand. The Twins had won one series and lost the next, and entered Wednesday needing a win to go 5-4 before heading out on a 10-game road trip.

Two Ryan Experiences for the Price of One
Joe Ryan gave up three singles to the bottom of Houston’s lineup in the top of the 2nd, allowing the Astros to strike first on an RBI single from former Twin Christian Vázquez. Houston grabbed the early lead, but the Twins answered immediately with a (looong) solo home run from Victor Caratini to tie the game at 1-1.

Both before and after that blip, however, Ryan looked much more like himself. While his pitch count continued to climb, he worked out of several jams and racked up nine strikeouts through six innings, looking more confident with every trip to the mound. The Twins took control in the fourth inning with a three-run homer from Ryan Kriedler, extending the lead to 4-1 heading into the fifth. Kreidler had an execrable offensive track record in the majors before this season, but he's thriving in his part-time role with the Twins this year.

Ryan finished six innings and told Audra Martin afterward that one of the things he appreciates most is his defense, pointing specifically to James Outman’s diving catch for the final out of the fourth inning. Ryan also joked about former teammate Vázquez being the lone hitter to drive in a run against him. Since leaving his start on May 3 with elbow soreness after facing just two batters, he's not only managed to stay in the rotation, but been dazzling. It's a huge relief, in a year when every other player who reports some minor malady seems to land on the injured list for months.

It's a Team Effort
Kody Clemens has become an important piece of the lineup, filling multiple roles defensively. Against Houston, he started in right field and finished at first base. Derek Shelton commented before the game that Clemens has been “a net positive at every defensive position he’s played,” while also allowing other players to get needed rest without sacrificing defense. Clemens has also continued to improve offensively, hitting .240 with a .754 overall OPS—his best production to date.

There were no more runs for either side after the fourth inning, and the bullpens set up to battle it out, both sides needing the win.

Strong Bullpen Appearance
Yoendrys Gómez relieved Ryan in the seventh and struck out three straight hitters, preserving the cushion and allowing the offense to avoid grinding through every at-bat. The Twins have played in 10 one-run games this season and won only three of them, making any lead larger than one especially valuable.

The bullpen still brings some uncertainty, but lately the starters have been delivering longer, more effective outings, giving the relievers room to breathe instead of being overused on a nightly basis. Gómez returned for the eighth inning and looked a little less sharp than he did in the seventh, but still managed to post a zero and keep the Twins in control. 

Andrew Morris closed things out with a 10-pitch save, the first of his career. He's settling ever more into a standard, high-leverage relief role, and is one symbol of the rising promise of this roster.

What’s Next?
The Twins have a day off on Thursday in Boston, after which they'll begin a 10-day road trip. Their first contest at Fenway Park begins at 6:10 PM CT on Friday. The Twins will send Connor Prielipp to the mound (1-2, 2.88 ERA), facing Payton Tolle (2-2, .205 ERA), 

Postgame Interviews 

Bullpen Availability Chart

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[Nshore]

I hope somehow, someway they hang on to Ryan.  Twins fans would be roaring for that guy in high stakes games.  If you want to build attendance, he's part of the foundation.

 

[mickster]

6 minutes ago, Nshore said:

I hope somehow, someway they hang on to Ryan.  Twins fans would be roaring for that guy in high stakes games.  If you want to build attendance, he's part of the foundation.

 

I am on board,  We don't need a complete tear down, as we have pieces to build around.  Lopez, Ryan, Able, Taj, Preilipp, Mathews and SWR give you 7 arms.   Jeffers injury hurts.   But some BP pieces can come together, and I think Festa will be part of that with Morris, and most likely SWR.   Rojas has a role as well.

[Nshore]

3 minutes ago, mickster said:

I am on board,  We don't need a complete tear down, as we have pieces to build around.  Lopez, Ryan, Able, Taj, Preilipp, Mathews and SWR give you 7 arms.   Jeffers injury hurts.   But some BP pieces can come together, and I think Festa will be part of that with Morris, and most likely SWR.   Rojas has a role as well.

I think Rojas could be huge.  I hated him at first because I'm a huge fan of Varland.  But he's only 23 and already looks more poised and comfortable.  I could see him striking out Aaron Judge to win the playoff series.  Turn him loose!

[Mike Sixel]

21 minutes ago, Nshore said:

I hope somehow, someway they hang on to Ryan.  Twins fans would be roaring for that guy in high stakes games.  If you want to build attendance, he's part of the foundation.

 

I can't see any way this happens with this ownership group. He also seems very ready to leave and go someplace they are actually trying to win. 

[JD-TWINS]

3 pitchers gave up 5 hits/no walks and had 15 strikeouts. Completely in control for 9 innings.

Bottom of line-up (6-10) had 5 of 6 hits for the Twins………Caratini - Gray - Kreidler - Outman.

Outman is actually playing like a real MLB player (great catch today in CF) over most recent games. His BA was zero in middle of April & now he’s up to .185 - big change! Not a huge fan but he’s improved!! I didn’t think Clemens nor Outman should be on the March 27 roster ……… Clemens is up to .240 (hit today) and he’s got a .765 OPS.

[Parfigliano]

28 minutes ago, mickster said:

I am on board,  We don't need a complete tear down, as we have pieces to build around.  Lopez, Ryan, Able, Taj, Preilipp, Mathews and SWR give you 7 arms.   Jeffers injury hurts.   But some BP pieces can come together, and I think Festa will be part of that with Morris, and most likely SWR.   Rojas has a role as well.

Hope some of these great arms are equally great with a bat.

[Cris E]

During the post-game they had a great montage of Ryan reactions from the game.  The guy is a piece of work, lots of fun to watch out there. I'd pay him and Jeffers and see what they can do in 2027. There are a bunch of good parts here, a likeable bunch that are only a few pieces away. Hope they step up over the winter.

[Peter]

This was closer then score indicated! If not for the home runs we would’ve lost!!! Ryan and bullpen were outstanding!!! Huge statement series win as well winning homestand!!! Tough road trip upcoming but if we continue to win series .500 and winning record will happen!!!

[JD-TWINS]

54 minutes ago, mickster said:

I am on board,  We don't need a complete tear down, as we have pieces to build around.  Lopez, Ryan, Able, Taj, Preilipp, Mathews and SWR give you 7 arms.   Jeffers injury hurts.   But some BP pieces can come together, and I think Festa will be part of that with Morris, and most likely SWR.   Rojas has a role as well.

Not knit picking but I’d have Bailey Ober in the Top 5 group with Lopez - Ryan - Abel - Bradley with Prielipp - Rojas - Matthews right behind them & SWR & Morris in the PEN. After today, I get the feeling they like Morris at 96-97 Mph & shortening his “starter repertoire” to be the Closer.

[Patzky]

41 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Not knit picking but I’d have Bailey Ober in the Top 5 group with Lopez - Ryan - Abel - Bradley with Prielipp - Rojas - Matthews right behind them & SWR & Morris in the PEN. After today, I get the feeling they like Morris at 96-97 Mph & shortening his “starter repertoire” to be the Closer.

What I love most about Morris is that he tends to Throw Strikes,early in the count. I still have Genesis Cabrera flashbacks from last year (and Topa Taylor and Funderburk ones from this year.) where they beat themselves by starting off with seven or eight balls in a row.

[Patzky]

43 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Not knit picking but I’d have Bailey Ober in the Top 5 group with Lopez - Ryan - Abel - Bradley with Prielipp - Rojas - Matthews right behind them & SWR & Morris in the PEN. After today, I get the feeling they like Morris at 96-97 Mph & shortening his “starter repertoire” to be the Closer.

A Pablo and Abel (assuming both healthy next year, assuming there aiS next year), Ober, Taj, and Prielipp rotation could be pretty good! Add Ryan and it would be excellent. I know we have all heard this before but the same comfort we took for granted with Duran, Jax, Brock in years past we also have grown into with this group of starters. Owners thought it was simple to grow a bullpen.. ask Detroit about how easy cultivating a good starting rotation is.

[terrydactyls]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

I can't see any way this happens with this ownership group. He also seems very ready to leave and go someplace they are actually trying to win. 

If there is any question whether Ryan is leaving or willing to stay, any competent leadership group... oh, never mind. 

Weeks before the trade deadline, I would hope that conversations between Pohlad/Zoll and Ryan's agent will make that conundrum clear.  If he won't sign, ship him to the team that offers the best return.  If he will sign, then lock him up for five or six years.