Game Summary and Performance
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Joe Ryan’s night ended after two innings Saturday, the shortest outing he’s had since a shoulder injury sidelined him last August.
Ryan allowed five runs in the first inning and the Kansas City Royals rolled to an 11-2 victory at Kauffman Stadium. The loss marked Minnesota’s sixth straight defeat.
Injury and Pre-Game Conditions
The right-hander said he felt ill the day before the start, describing symptoms like a cold or the flu, though he still took the mound. Unlike the Grade 2 teres major strain that cost him the remainder of 2024, this was not injury-related.
First Inning Challenges
Ryan walked the first two batters of the game. Vinnie Pasquantino followed with an RBI double and Salvador Perez added a three-run homer as the Royals batted around, even with shortstop Bobby Witt sidelined by back spasms.
Pitching and Season Context
The rough first inning sent Ryan’s ERA up 0.24 to 3.32. He came into the game with 155 innings pitched, nearing his career high of 161 2/3 from 2023. In his previous start, Ryan blanked the San Diego Padres over seven innings, allowing five hits an...