Twins fans can breathe a collective sigh of relief: Joe Ryan's elbow scare doesn't appear to be serious. The Minnesota right-hander, who exited Thursday's 4-3 win over Toronto with soreness in his throwing arm, has been cleared of any structural damage and remains on track for his next start.

"He went out and threw today, which was a really good sign. Everything was normal," Twins manager Derek Shelton told reporters before Friday's game in Washington. "He'll throw a bullpen tomorrow, and then, you know, if everything goes according to plan," Ryan will take the mound as scheduled against Cleveland.

The scare came early in Ryan's outing. After striking out Yohendrick Piñango and walking Kazuma Okamoto—just two batters faced—the 2025 All-Star signaled to catcher Victor Caratini and the dugout. A brief mound conference with Shelton and a team trainer followed, and Ryan walked off the field, leaving fans holding their breath.

With Pablo López sidelined for the season after February Tommy John surgery, Ryan (2-3, 3.72 ERA) has stepped into the ace role for Minnesota. The 31-year-old earned his first All-Star nod this year and has been remarkably durable, making 30 starts last season and at least 23 in each of the previous three campaigns.

This isn't the first health hiccup for Ryan this year. He dealt with lower back tightness during his first spring start while preparing for the World Baseball Classic, but bounced back to make three exhibition outings and every regular-season start since—including Opening Day in Baltimore.

For now, all signs point to Ryan's arm being ready for the next challenge. And for a Twins rotation already missing its biggest star, that's the best news of the week.