River Ryan Has Encouraging Start On Path Toward Possibly Joining Dodgers Rotation

"River Ryan returned on Friday night after being on the Minor League injured list since April 17 because of a hamstring issue. In his first outing back for Triple-A Oklahoma City, he allowed one run and only two hits over four innings. He walked one batter and collected four strikeouts in the Comets' road win over the Albuquerque Isotopes. His fastball velocity topped out at 100.9 mph and averaged 98.6 mph in the outing."

"Manager Dave Roberts said before Ryan's outing that the goal was four innings and 60 pitches. The right-hander reached the length benchmark and did so on an efficient 53 pitches. It was an encouraging first step as the Dodgers will soon face a need in their rotation. "So it certainly should be on the table, considering other options," Roberts said of the Dodgers looking to fill out their six-man rotation."

"However, Roberts made clear the Dodgers will not rush their former top pitching prospect through his buildup and establishing a foundation. Ryan only made two starts for Oklahoma City before landing on the injured list and was also limited during Spring Training. "The possibility of him pitching for us, it's a possibility. It's still a slim possibility, because the most important thing is his progression," Roberts explained. "If everyone isn't on board with that and speeding it up, it's moot. It's just not going to happen. It's a non-starter.""

Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell being on the injured list leaves the Los Angeles Dodgers with reduced starting pitching depth. River Ryan returned to action for Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing one run and two hits over four innings while walking one batter and striking out four. His fastball reached 100.9 mph and averaged 98.6 mph. Ryan had been on the Minor League injured list since April 17 due to a hamstring issue and had last started on April 11. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the goal was four innings and 60 pitches, and Ryan reached it with 53 pitches. The team will consider Ryan for the rotation but will not rush him, emphasizing progression and agreement with the training staff.

Read at Dodger Blue