Los Angeles Dodgers No. 6 prospect River Ryan is scheduled to make his first start since April 11 on Friday, per AM 570’s David Vassegh.
River Ryan is scheduled to start his first game since April 11th on Friday for @OKC_comets
Ryan was on IL with a hamstring injury. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 13, 2026
Ryan came back from Tommy John surgery this spring and immediately made a splash during Cactus League play in Arizona, posting a 1.86 ERA through four appearances. He pitched a total of 9.2 innings during spring training, and struck out 12 batters.
He didn’t end up breaking camp with the Dodgers, with manager Dave Roberts valuing Ryan’s health over slotting him immediately back into the rotation, so he began the year in Triple-A. The skipper’s concerns proved legitimate after just two starts, as Ryan suffered a hamstring injury after just his second start.
Through his first two starts, Ryan allowed four earned runs through seven innings, evening out at a 5.14 ERA with 10 strikeouts.
The Oklahoma City Comets scratched Ryan from his third start, and moved him onto the minor league injury list. Now, though, the organization seems comfortable bringing him back.
Is River Ryan Ready for the Major Leagues?
While Ryan isn’t likely to be able to jump straight back into MLB action after his injury, he’s shown in the past he has the ability to be an elite hurler at the top level.
The 27-year-old made his MLB debut for the Dodgers in 2024, but only pitched four games before his long-term elbow injury.
In those four games, though, the right-hander pitcher 20.1 innings, and only allowed three earned runs while striking out 18 batters. He had some issues with walking batters, issuing three walks in each of his first three appearances in the big leagues, but managed to navigate himself out of trouble without allowing too much damage.
Where Would River Ryan Fit with the Dodgers?
Ryan’s role with the Dodgers is uncertain if he is to come up this year, as they have an abundance of starting pitchers when they’re fully healthy. In addition to the current six-man rotation made up of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, Emmet Sheehan and Justin Wrobleski, the Dodgers also have players like Tyler Glasnow—who will certainly claim a spot when he returns from injury—and Gavin Stone.
The young right-hander could make an appearance as a starter this season, but the more likely occurrence is for him to serve as a middle-inning reliever if he ends up getting promoted.
Do you think River Ryan will come back to MLB this season?
The post River Ryan’s Next Start Revealed Following Hamstring Injury appeared first on LA Sports Report.
