The Los Angeles Dodgers have one of the best starting rotations in MLB, with superstars like Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell leading the line.
Behind those three are even more superb starters, with the likes of Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow and Emmet Sheehan in the mix.
Ahead of 2026, though, MLB Network’s Jon Morosi threw a new name into the fold, stating Dodgers right-hander River Ryan is a player to look out for in the new season.
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Ryan made his MLB debut for the Dodgers in 2024, making four solid starts before being sidelined with injury. He threw 20.1 innings across his four starts, allowing just three earned runs through 20.1 innings for a 1.33 ERA. He struck out 18 batters in that time.
The right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery in August of that season, and is set to be ready to pitch in 2026.
“River Ryan is one name to watch in the @Dodgers’ 2026 pitching plans,” Morosi wrote via X (formerly Twitter).
“He underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2024 and progressed so quickly that he was under consideration for a postseason roster spot in October.”
Ryan tore up minor league hitters prior to his call up in 2025, making just eight appearances in the lower levels. Five of his starts in the minors came with Triple-A Oklahoma City in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, but he managed himself just fine with the Comets. Through those five starts, Ryan posted a 2.76 ERA through 16.1 innings and earned himself a shot at the show.
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Now fresh off his recovery, Ryan has a point to prove in a crowded Dodgers rotation. The right-hander has a mountain to climb to force himself among the Dodgers starters, and he is yet to make a professional appearance since recovering from his injury. Regardless, the 27-year-old will look to come hot out of the gate to make a lasting impact on the Dodgers in 2026.
Photo Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
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