The Minnesota Twins have experienced a challenging season, but right-handed pitcher Joe Ryan remains a reliable force on the mound. As the Twins prepare to start a three-game series against the Oakland Athletics in Minneapolis on Tuesday night, Ryan aims to sustain his impressive pitching performance. His consistent excellence continues to be a key highlight for the team.
Ryan’s Season Highlights and Recent Success
Joe Ryan has compiled a strong record of 12-5 with an impressive 2.72 ERA, ranking ninth among pitchers across Major League Baseball. This season’s first-time All-Star has found particular success recently, posting a 2-0 record and a 2.04 ERA in three starts throughout August. His latest outing featured a dominant performance against the New York Yankees, where Ryan conceded only one run and four hits over 6 2/3 innings during last Wednesday’s 4-1 victory.
It’s fun. It’s a special place to play baseball,
Ryan commented about pitching in the Bronx.
You want to beat them every time.
—Joe Ryan, Twins pitcher
Manager Rocco Baldelli Praises Ryan’s High-Level Play
Minnesota’s manager Rocco Baldelli has expressed no surprise at Ryan’s achievements this season, noting the pitcher’s exceptional talent, especially after his recent outing on a major stage. Ryan needs just one more win to match his career-high victory total from last year.
Joe Ryan’s one of the best pitchers in baseball, and we just got a chance to watch him on a really big stage,
Baldelli remarked.
That was just an incredible outing for Joe.
—Rocco Baldelli, Twins manager
Ryan’s Role in a Difficult Season for Minnesota
While the Twins have struggled overall, winning only 11 of their last 29 games, Ryan has been a beacon of consistency. The team’s performance declined further after trading key players such as shortstop Carlos Correa and closer Jhoan Duran at the deadline. Ryan’s effectiveness has been a rare bright spot during a season marked by upheaval and transition.
Historical Performance Against the Athletics
Ryan holds a 2-0 record with a 4.67 ERA in three career starts against the Athletics. One of those meetings took place on June 2 in West Sacramento, California, where Ryan allowed four runs and six hits in five innings but still secured the win. However, he did give up a three-run homer to Lawrence Butler during that game, while Tyler Soderstrom also hit a two-run homer off him this season.
Oakland Athletics’ Recent Form and Key Players
The Athletics just completed a six-game homestand with an even 3-3 record against the Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels. Nick Kurtz, a strong contender for the American League Rookie of the Year, ended a 15-game home run drought by hitting two homers in the weekend series against the Angels. He went 5-for-11 and showed excellent plate discipline by drawing four walks.
It all kind of goes together,
Kurtz explained.
You start with seeing the ball well, and when you swing at the right pitches, good things can happen.
—Nick Kurtz, Athletics rookie
Kurtz’s Adjustments and Consistency at the Plate
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay noted that opposing teams have adjusted their pitching strategy against Kurtz following his four-home-run game on July 25 against the Houston Astros. Despite this, Kurtz is maintaining solid contact, batting .327 with a .453 on-base percentage in August, showing his ability to adapt to different pitching looks.
I think (power) is one of the things for me that’s going to come and go,
he said.
Hopefully, when it comes, it comes in bunches.
—Nick Kurtz, Athletics rookie
Athletics Starter Jacob Lopez Looks to Continue Winning Streak
Facing Ryan for the Athletics on Tuesday will be left-hander Jacob Lopez, who is enjoying a strong stretch of form. Lopez, aged 27, holds a 6-6 record with a 3.30 ERA. He has won three consecutive decisions without allowing a run over his last 24 innings, striking out 28 batters while giving up 14 hits and six walks throughout these outings.
On August 12, Lopez shut out the Tampa Bay Rays over seven innings, allowing just four hits and recording nine strikeouts without issuing a walk. His previous start saw a career-best 10 strikeouts over 7 2/3 innings while shutting out the Washington Nationals on three hits.
Lopez’s Past Performance Against the Twins
In his only career start against the Twins earlier this season on June 3, Lopez pitched 4 1/3 innings, striking out nine but allowing five runs and three homers. Former Twins player Willi Castro hit two home runs during that game, and Trevor Larnach also contributed a homer against Lopez’s pitching.
Upcoming Series Holds Significance for Both Teams
This upcoming series presents an important opportunity for the Twins to gain ground as they continue battling through a turbulent season. Joe Ryan’s pitching performance remains central to Minnesota’s hopes of success, while the Athletics will rely on Jacob Lopez’s strong recent form and offensive contributions from players like Nick Kurtz. How these matchups unfold over the next three days will have notable implications for both teams moving forward.