The Minnesota Twins' ace exited his team's game against the Toronto Blue Jays abruptly on Sunday.
Joe Ryan had faced only two batters — striking out Yohedrick Piñango and issuing a walk to Kazuma Okamoto — before signalling to his dugout and leaving the field with training staff.
The Twins later confirmed that Ryan was removed from the game due to right elbow soreness. Rookie right-hander Andrew Morris entered in relief, making his sixth appearance of the season.
Ryan, 29, appeared frustrated after missing high with a 91 m.p.h. fastball and promptly alerted his dugout that something was wrong.
The right-hander's fastball has averaged 92.6 m.p.h. this season, a full one m.p.h. lower than the 93.6 m.p.h. it sat last year.
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Ryan has a 3.76 ERA with 39 strikeouts and nine walks over 38.1 innings so far in 2026. A 2025 all-star, Ryan had a 3.42 ERA last season to go along with 194 strikeouts and 39 walks over 171 innings.
The Twins' other best starting option, Pablo Lopez, is out for the season after undergoing off-season Tommy John surgery.
The Blue Jays are aiming for a fourth straight series win in the finale of their four-game set against the Twins on Sunday.
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