Twins Edge Blue Jays 4-3 as Ryan Exits with Elbow Scare

MINNEAPOLIS — Joe Ryan lasted just three innings in the Twins' 4-3 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on May 3, 2026, exiting Target Field with right elbow soreness that sent chills through the home dugout.[2][7][8] The right-hander, who entered with a 3-2 lead after the third, allowed two runs on four hits before manager Rocco Baldelli pulled him amid growing concern over the injury initially flagged by NBC Sports.[1][2] Ryan's departure marked the second straight tense moment in the series, following Toronto's explosive 11-4 win on May 2, where Kazuma Okamoto's third homer in two days and Brandon Valenzuela's eighth-inning blast fueled an eight-run outburst.[1][4][5] Minnesota, now 15-20 overall and 10-10 at home, leaned on its bullpen to preserve the narrow win against a Blue Jays squad that fell to 16-18 and 6-10 on the road.[2] Relievers like Jhoan Duran and Griffin Jax combined for 6 scoreless innings, striking out seven Toronto hitters and stranding runners in scoring position.[2][8] The Twins' offense scratched out four runs early, with key hits from Carlos Correa and Byron Buxton building a lead that held firm despite Toronto's late push.[2] The series backdrop amplified the drama: Toronto erupted for 11 runs on Saturday, including four home runs and that devastating eighth inning that saw Valenzuela cap the rally.[1][4][5] Twins starter Sonny Gray had kept it close at 3-2 through four before the roof caved in.[3] Sunday's rubber match flipped the script, as Minnesota's depth prevailed even without Ryan's full outing.[2] Ryan's injury clouds the Twins' rotation outlook as they chase a playoff spot in the AL Central. The 29-year-old ace posted a 3.12 ERA entering the weekend, and elbow issues recall past Tommy John epidemics league-wide.[2][8] Manager Baldelli offered no timeline postgame, deferring to medical updates expected Monday.[7][8] Toronto, riding a nine-wins-in-13-games hot streak before the loss, heads into a tough road slate.[4] With the victory, Minnesota avoids a sweep and gains momentum ahead of a homestand against divisional foes. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, regroup after their bats went quiet following the Saturday fireworks.[1][2] Ryan's MRI results could reshape both clubs' seasons.