Stewart, Ryan set to make debuts this week?
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NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Just under seven months ago, on Aug. 10 of 2024, the Twins got a double dose of bad news. Star starter Joe Ryan was diagnosed with a shoulder injury that ultimately ended his season, and late-inning reliever Brock Stewart underwent shoulder surgery. The two losses were not the only factors in the club¡¯s late-season swoon, but they were certainly both key elements.
On Tuesday, the club divulged that both right-handers are scheduled to return to game action. Ryan is slated to start Thursday¡¯s Grapefruit League game at the Yankees, and Stewart is on the schedule to pitch in relief on Wednesday at home against Baltimore.
It¡¯s part of the regular return for both of them, and it¡¯s not as big a milestone as when they end up getting on a mound in the regular season. But it¡¯s certainly a pair of positive developments.
¡°That¡¯s encouraging,¡± said manager Rocco Baldelli. ¡°They¡¯re doing well coming back from individual things. That¡¯s what we¡¯re looking for. If they weren¡¯t out there any time soon, there¡¯d be reasons for that. but they are gonna be out there so [pitching coach Pete Maki] must be really pleased with what he¡¯s looking at. They¡¯re important guys. We need the big boys to go out there and play.¡±
Ryan was removed from an Aug. 7 start against the Cubs after two innings. He was diagnosed with a strain of the teres major muscle in his shoulder and did not pitch again in 2024. He had a 7-7 record with a 3.60 ERA at the time of the injury.
All reports of his rehabilitation throughout the winter have been positive, so in one sense it is simply the next step for him to pitch in a game. But he¡¯s undeniably a critical piece for Minnesota, so it will be a lift to see him back on a mound.
Meanwhile, Stewart was a key part of the 2023 Twins bullpen, but in 2024 he pitched only three times after May 1 due to a shoulder injury. He underwent surgery in August. His status for the beginning of the regular season is not yet determined, but getting him on the mound is a big step.