Why the Dodgers remain patient despite River Ryan's strong Triple-A numbers

River Ryan, the Dodgers’ top pitching prospect, has yet to reach the majors this season as he returns from Tommy John surgery in 2024. While sidelined by minor health issues, he has impressed in Triple-A, creating a window for a potential big-league debut with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow both out. Los Angeles enters Friday’s game against Baltimore with a strong rotation, posting a 3.11 team ERA, a .211 opponent average, and leading the NL in strikeouts (412) and innings (428 1/3). The six-man rotation includes Ohtani, Yamamoto, Sasaki, Wrobleski, and Sheehan, enabling development for Ryan. The industry regards him as one of baseball’s most tantalizing arms, with The Athletic ranking him as high as No. 19 in midseason lists. His repertoire features a triple-digit four-seam, a 94–96 mph two-seamer, and developing cutter, curve, slider, and changeup. Durability and limited pro innings remain his primary questions as he progresses toward a big-league call.