Joe Ryan is slated to start for the Twins as they aim to split their four-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 2025 All-Star right-hander already has a notable win against the Blue Jays this season, pitching a two-hit, seven-inning game. The Twins are hoping he can replicate that performance.
Ryan’s Previous Success Against Toronto
Ryan (2-3, 3.76 ERA) previously faced the Blue Jays on April 11, allowing two runs and one walk while recording five strikeouts. That 7-4 victory helped the Twins secure the series win. In five career starts against Toronto, Ryan is 3-1 with a 4.20 ERA.
Blue Jays’ Pitching Change and Offensive Performance
The Blue Jays are scheduled to start Trey Yesavage (1-0, 0.00) who will be making his second start. Yesavage opened the season on the injured list with a shoulder impingement and has not previously faced Minnesota. In his debut on Tuesday, he pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the Boston Red Sox, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out three.
Toronto’s offence had a strong showing in the eighth inning of Saturday’s game, scoring eight runs against Minnesota’s bullpen in an 11-4 victory. According to Toronto manager John Schneider, the eighth inning demonstrated the team’s ability to pass the baton.
Twins’ Bullpen Issues and Injuries
The Twins’ bullpen struggled in Saturday’s game, particularly Luis Garcia and Anthony Banda, who failed to retire the first eight batters in the eighth inning. Twins manager Derek Shelton described the inning as being as bad as it could get, citing five hits, two or three walks, and an error.
The Twins’ bullpen problems have been compounded by injuries. Right-hander Cole Sands was placed on the injured list with a forearm strain. Right-hander John Klein was promoted from Triple-A St. Paul and pitched a perfect ninth in his major league debut.
Springer’s Injury Scare
George Springer was hit on the left foot by a slider. Springer went down in pain and was removed from the game. X-rays on Saturday were negative, and he was back in the dugout later. He had recently returned from the injured list after fracturing his left big toe on a foul ball on April 11, in a game where Ryan was pitching.
Shelton said the most frustrating thing is the lack of consistency, with good outings followed by inconsistent ones.
Schneider indicated that Springer would likely have been given Sunday off anyway and expects him to be alright in a day or so.