The Twins were looking like classic sellers just a few days ago, seemingly ready to ditch ace Joe Ryan at the trade deadline, a move they pulled in 2025. But hold up, now it looks like these suddenly surging Twins are keeping Ryan and are actually going for it, making a serious push for the playoffs! Tonight, Joe Ryan is back on the mound against the visiting Royals at Target Field, and this game isn’t just another Wednesday night matchup, it’s massive.
Minnesota Is Going For It, And The Stakes Are High
The Twins have completely flipped the script, and that’s why they reportedly reversed course on trading Ryan. This team is *surging*, and it shows in the standings. They’re only two games back from first place in the AL Central and a mere half game out of the final wild card spot. That’s close! The SportsLine Projection Model gives them a 42.3% shot at “extra baseball,” and DraftKings puts their postseason odds via any route at +185, which means a 35.1% chance. With all these new wild card spots, every game feels like a fight for positioning, and Minnesota clearly wants in. A win tonight would get them over .500 for the first time since April, which tells you exactly how much this turnaround means for the squad.
Ryan’s Rollercoaster Ride To The Mound
Joe Ryan, who’s 30 years old, comes into tonight’s game with a 6-6 record, a 3.38 ERA, and a 1.10 WHIP. His last outing in Cleveland was a total nightmare, though. He got absolutely mauled, giving up eight runs and 10 hits, including a career-high and franchise-record six home runs over just four innings in a blowout loss. Can you believe it? He gave up a dinger in every single inning. But before that disaster, Ryan was pitching lights out, even throwing a scoreless inning in the Midsummer Classic. It’s not just about tonight’s performance either, because Ryan is only making $6 million this season, with a mutual option for $13 million next year that the Twins are definitely picking up. If they deal him, it won’t be until the offseason, assuming he pitches well the rest of the way.
Game Details And Buxton Watch
First pitch for this Royals vs. Twins showdown is set for 7:40 p.m. ET at Target Field in Minneapolis. The Twins are definitely the favorites at -202 on the money line, with Kansas City sitting as +167 underdogs. The Over/Under for total runs is set at 9. On the injury front, All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton, another player the Twins are reportedly keeping past the deadline, might not be at 100%. He’s been plagued by injuries and even left Tuesday’s win with hip soreness. He might sit out tonight or play as the designated hitter. If you’re into it, the DraftKings same-game parlay for a Twins money line win and Under 1.5 first-inning runs sits at +102.
So, can Ryan shake off that awful last start and lead his team to a crucial win, getting them over .500 for the first time in months? Or will the Royals spoil Minnesota’s playoff ambitions right out of the gate? Tonight’s game is more than just another Wednesday night matchup; it’s a statement for the Twins, and you better believe they’re ready to make it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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