Dodgers Prospect Ryan Injured Again

River Ryan, a premier pitching prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has been placed on the minor league injured list. The setback is due to a hamstring issue, which unfortunately mirrors a previous injury that caused him to miss time earlier this season. This latest development comes after his start was skipped this week, prolonging his absence from the field.

Ryan has been on a lengthy recovery path following Tommy John surgery in 2024, which prevented him from competing at the MLB level. Despite strong performances in the minor leagues, the team has opted for a patient approach to his return. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman emphasized the importance of exercising patience with young pitchers recovering from major surgeries, highlighting the distinct intensity of major league competition.

Friedman noted that while Ryan possesses significant talent and is expected to be a key player for the Dodgers' future, easing his transition back is crucial. The goal is to ensure he is not only ready to contribute at the major league level but also to be a formidable option during the postseason. Manager Dave Roberts had recently indicated that pitcher Emmet Sheehan might lose his rotation spot due to struggles, which could have opened a door for Ryan's call-up.

This season at Triple-A, Ryan made eight starts, accumulating a 4.46 ERA. He recorded 43 strikeouts against just eight walks in 36.1 innings pitched. While he had been dominating, his most recent outing saw him allow eight runs on 10 hits over 4.1 innings, after which he has not pitched.