The Minnesota Twins are navigating a challenging stretch, with injury concerns mounting for two key players. While the team had no update on starting pitcher Joe Ryan as of Monday—he exited his Sunday start in the first inning due to elbow soreness—they did provide news on top prospect Walker Jenkins.
Jenkins, a 21-year-old outfielder and one of baseball's brightest young talents, suffered a Grade 2 AC joint sprain in his left shoulder. The injury occurred when he crashed into the outfield wall while making a catch Sunday in St. Paul. He will be re-evaluated in 10 days to determine a clearer recovery timeline. In 25 games this season at Triple-A, Jenkins was hitting .256 with a .785 OPS and two home runs, showing flashes of the potential that makes him a cornerstone of the Twins' future.
As for Ryan, he did travel with the team to Washington D.C. on Monday, and the Twins expect to provide an update before their series against the Nationals begins Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. CT. Fans will be watching closely for news on the right-hander, who has been a vital part of the rotation.
Amid the injury updates, there was plenty of good news. Byron Buxton was named the American League Player of the Week on Monday after a torrid stretch: he hit .345 with five home runs, nine runs scored, and seven RBIs over seven games, posting a .406 on-base percentage and an .897 slugging percentage. It's the kind of performance that reminds everyone why Buxton remains one of the most electrifying players in the game when healthy.
Additionally, Minnesota native Louie Varland was named the American League Reliever of the Month. Varland posted a microscopic 0.56 ERA over 16 innings, allowing just one earned run while converting all four of his save opportunities. His emergence has been a bright spot for a bullpen that has stepped up in key moments.
In a lighter moment, the entire Twins traveling party showed their support for the Minnesota Wild by sporting Wild jerseys on their flight to D.C. on Monday. The Wild are set to face the Colorado Avalanche in the second round of the NHL playoffs, and the gesture was a fun display of Minnesota sports camaraderie.
Stay tuned for more updates on Ryan and Jenkins as the Twins continue their road trip. In the meantime, you can show your support for the team with our latest collection of Twins gear—perfect for cheering on Buxton, Varland, and the rest of the squad as they battle through the season.