Twins general manager Terry Ryan diagnosed with cancer - MLB

Twins general manager Terry Ryan has been diagnosed with cancer and will undergo treatment at the Mayo Clinic, the team announced in a statement.

Ryan was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in his neck following a routine physical exam and will not be with the team in Florida when spring training begins, but issued a quote to the media saying:

I’ve been assured this form of cancer is treatable and remain optimistic about my return to good health in the near future.

Ryan is in his second stint as Twins general manager and ranks as one of the longest-tenured, most respected GMs in baseball. He’s one of the most genuine, straight-up people you’ll ever meet, whether he’s dealing with mainstream media, fans, or even lowly bloggers. Here’s hoping he beats the hell out of cancer.

ATLANTA – Atlanta right-hander Michael Soroka, who posted an 8.38 ERA in two starts in his comeback from two right Achilles tendon tears, was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett on Monday.

The move came after Soroka allowed five runs and seven hits in 3 2/3 innings in Atlanta’s 8-5 win at Arizona on Sunday. All of Soroka’s runs allowed came with two outs. After the game, he said: “That’s not quite me.”

Soroka, an All-Star as a rookie in 2019, was Atlanta’s opening day starter in 2020 before suffering his first Achilles tendon tear early in the season. He needed a follow-up procedure before suffering a second tear in 2021.

The Braves didn’t immediately announce who will replace Soroka in the rotation. An option could be rookie AJ Smith Shawver, who threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief in his debut on Sunday.

The Braves on Monday also claimed infielder Lucas Williams off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers and optioned Williams to Gwinnett. To make room on the 40-man roster, left-hander Max Fried was transferred to the 60-day injured list.