In an exciting move for the Los Angeles Dodgers, they have reportedly selected the contract of their top right-handed pitching prospect, River Ryan. The young talent is set to make his debut on Monday night against their division rivals, the San Francisco Giants.

Ryan's journey to the majors has faced some hurdles, as he suffered a shoulder injury during spring training, causing a delayed start to his season. However, despite the setback, he has made an impressive impact in his limited action. Finally sent on rehab on June 3, Ryan has spent the last month-and-a-half diligently building up his pitch count.

In his most recent Triple-A start, Ryan showed his progress by tossing an impressive 67 pitches. To maintain his development, he also pitched in the Arizona Complex League over the All-Star break. This consistent performance and growth led to the Dodgers' decision to call him up to the big leagues.

Although the Dodgers have some pitching reinforcements on the way, with Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw expected to return from the injured list this week, Ryan's debut provides an exciting opportunity for him. However, his chances of remaining in the rotation beyond this start may be limited. Nevertheless, the team is confident that Ryan will have more opportunities in the majors this season, even if he is eventually sent back down to the minors.

The Dodgers' commitment to Ryan's potential was evident from the beginning. They acquired him during spring training in 2022 when he was primarily being used as a position player by the San Diego Padres. As a two-way player at UNC Pembroke before being drafted, Ryan possessed considerable athleticism. The Dodgers decided to develop him as a pitcher, a move that paid off quickly.

Ryan's progress as a pitcher was remarkable, as he posted a 2.45 ERA in his first full season on the mound while reaching High-A. Last year, he surpassed the 100-inning mark for the first time and earned a promotion to Triple-A late in the season.

Despite his late start in the 2024 season, Ryan's ascent through the Dodgers' system has been swift. With only seven total starts in Triple-A, including the two at the end of 2023, Ryan has showcased his aptitude for the game. His athleticism and ability to learn quickly have contributed to his rapid development, and at just 26 years old, he has a promising future ahead of him.

The Dodgers designated James Paxton for assignment to make room for Ryan on the roster, raising questions about how the team will manage its rotation moving forward. However, for now, the focus is on Ryan's hotly anticipated major league debut against the Giants, where all eyes will be on the talented prospect as he takes the mound.