The Los Angeles Dodgers don’t exactly need a hidden gem to stay atop the baseball world. When you’ve got Shohei Ohtani, a loaded lineup, and a rotation that’s already drawing comparisons to some of the best in recent memory, reinforcements aren’t a necessity - they’re a luxury.
But River Ryan? He might be more than that. He might be the kind of X-factor that helps this team chase a third straight World Series title.
At first glance, Ryan’s name might catch your attention. Dig a little deeper, and his game might just stop you in your tracks. He’s not a household name - yet - but the Dodgers are watching him closely this spring, and for good reason.
Coming off Tommy John surgery, Ryan has quietly put in the work. Not only is he healthy again, but he’s reportedly added a significant amount of muscle during his rehab.
That’s the kind of combination that can turn a solid pitcher into a serious weapon. If the added strength translates to increased velocity and sharper stuff, Ryan could be a problem - in the best way possible - for opposing hitters.
Let’s not forget what he flashed before the injury. In his first four big-league starts late in the 2024 season, Ryan posted a sparkling 1.33 ERA.
That kind of debut doesn’t happen by accident. He was 25 then, and now, at 27, he’s gunning for a spot in a rotation that includes Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan.
It’s a tough competition, but Ryan’s got the tools to make it interesting.
One team source put it bluntly: “It’s been long enough since he last pitched in a game that I think we can all forget how much of a freak this guy is.” That’s not a term thrown around lightly in a clubhouse full of elite talent.
Ryan’s journey is already one of perseverance. Drafted in the 11th round out of UNC-Pembroke back in 2021, he’s climbed the ladder without the spotlight. Just four MLB appearances so far, all in 2024, but every indication is that more are coming - and soon.
The Dodgers don’t need River Ryan to be great. But if he is?
That’s just another reason why this team might not be slowing down anytime soon. Keep an eye on him.
The buzz out of camp suggests he’s ready to make some noise.