Twins pull Joe Ryan 7 innings into no hitter

Joe Ryan flirted with a no-hitter on Tuesday night but the Minnesota Twins pulled the rookie out of his start against the Kansas City Royals after seven no-hit innings.

Ryan was cruising for most of the game, issuing just a pair of walks and striking out nine batters to silence the Royals lineup. Unfortunately for Ryan, he threw 106 pitches to get to that point and was greeted in the dugout with a handshake from Rocco Baldelli and replaced by Jovani Moran in the bottom of the eighth.

Ryan's start created a dilemma for the Twins. They entered the night five games back of the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central but also held a 6-0 lead after pulling the right-hander.

Ryan came into the game with a 10-8 record and 4.05 ERA in 23 starts for the Twins this season.