Joe Ryan posts the best first-half ERA by a Minnesota Twins pitcher since Johan Santana in 2007, earning a long-overdue All-Star recognition.

The Twins’ starter needed 34 pitches to get back to the dugout. He joked that 34 pitches is fine for the first three innings, but a bit much for the first inning alone.

A former left handed pitcher for Michigan State has gotten the call up back to the major leagues by the Minnesota Twins

Injured Twins starting pitcher Zebby Matthewsthrew live batting practice Tuesday, on the road back from a right shoulder strain that put him on the injured list retroactive to June 5. He missed his 30th game Tuesday.

Transitioning relievers (let alone elite ones) into starting pitchers midseason is relatively unheard of. Yet, given the unique situation Minnesota finds itself in, there may never be a better time.

After being snubbed over the weekend despite some very impressive numbers, Twins pitcher Joe Ryan was slowly starting to feel at peace with not being selected to compete in the All-Star Game. Never mind that he believed that he had more than earned the right to pitch next week in the Midsummer Classic alongside his peers.

MINNEAPOLIS — Twins outfielder Byron Buxton has a traveling companion for next week’s All-Star Game back in his home state of Georgia: Pitcher and teammate Joe Ryan on Wednesday was named an injury replacement for the American League team.

The Twins could be sellers come the MLB trade deadline and have a pitcher that’s drawn quite a bit of interest from other teams.

The Dodgers have not been shy about taking huge swings via trades and free-agent signings. But if they opt for a lower-profile deal a the trade deadline, they could target Griffin Jax of the Minnesota Twins.

"Our goal is like the three of us are sitting on a couch in the clubhouse watching the game," Justin Morneau said of the broadcast.

Despite a series loss to the Minnesota Twins, it has been a fantastic first half of the season for the Chicago Cubs. With just one series left to go before the

Chris Paddack figures he owes Colin Rea a lot for his help in navigating Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgery and rehab a decade ago. So he’s willing to put up with the needling he knows is coming from his former teammate after the Twins’ 8-1 loss to the Cubs on Thursday.