The Dodgers desperately need reinforcements in pitching. The transfer deadline could provide some relief here, but first they will look for reinforcements internally.
Manager Dave Roberts told reporters Saturday before Los Angeles’ game against the Red Sox that top pitcher River Ryan could be in the starting lineup Monday when LA faces the Giants at Dodger Stadium. MLB.com has Ryan listed as the Dodgers’ second-best pitcher and fourth-best overall pitcher.
Ryan, 25, joined the Dodgers organization from UNC-Pembroke in 2022. Since then, he has made 49 appearances with 45 starts at five minor league levels. He has a 3.22 ERA in 176.1 innings with 75 walks and 212 strikeouts.
This season, he has posted a 2.22 ERA in eight appearances (all as a starter) in rookie ball, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga and Triple-A Oklahoma City. Ryan has 32 strikeouts and just eight walks in 24.1 innings in 2024.
There seems to be some positive momentum with Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow returning from the IL, which will greatly increase LA’s pitching depth. But Ryan could still be in contention for a starting spot given how well he pitched in the minors this year and how much the Dodgers need starters who can go a few innings.
