In a significant blow to their pitching depth, the Los Angeles Dodgers have announced that their highly-touted prospect, River Ryan, will undergo Tommy John surgery. The promising right-hander, who has already missed the entire 2024 season due to an UCL sprain, now faces an extended recovery period, potentially sidelining him for the entirety of the 2025 campaign as well.

Ryan's recent injury has resulted in a worst-case scenario, as he requires a full ligament replacement rather than an internal brace procedure. The standard recovery timeline for such surgeries typically ranges from 12 to 14 months. While every rehabilitation process is unique, it is crucial to note that a full recovery usually takes at least a year for most pitchers.

The 25-year-old Ryan was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 11th round of the 2021 MLB Draft. His acquisition by the Dodgers in a trade involving Matt Beaty has proven to be a masterstroke for Los Angeles. Despite being signed for a modest $100K bonus as an undrafted free agent, Ryan quickly ascended through the minor leagues, becoming one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. His impressive performances earned him recognition on both FanGraphs' and MLB.com's top-100 prospect rankings.

Ryan showcased his potential during his brief stint in the majors this year, posting a remarkable 1.33 ERA through his first four starts. His journey to the big leagues was filled with promise, as he spent the majority of the 2023 season in Double-A, where he maintained an impressive 3.33 ERA in 97 1/3 innings pitched. His performances earned him a promotion to Triple-A later in the year, where he continued to excel with a 2.76 ERA in five starts before his injury setback.

Unfortunately for the Dodgers, Ryan's injury is just one in a series of setbacks for their rotation depth this season. Veteran Clayton Kershaw began the year on the injured list, while Tony Gonsolin was sidelined for most or all of the season following his own Tommy John surgery last year. The team has also faced significant injuries to Emmet Sheehan, Dustin May, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Walker Buehler, Nick Frasso, Kyle Hurt, and Bobby Miller.

With Kershaw expected to return from the injured list this week, the Dodgers' current rotation includes Tyler Glasnow, Gavin Stone, Jack Flaherty, and Walker Buehler, who is returning from hip and elbow injuries. Despite his recent struggles in both the majors and Triple-A this season, there is optimism surrounding Buehler's potential return to form as he recovers from his second Tommy John procedure.

As Ryan's injury occurred at the major league level, he will remain on the MLB injured list throughout his recovery period. During this time, he will continue to earn major league pay and service time, putting him on track for arbitration eligibility in the 2027-28 offseason and free agency following the 2030 season. However, future optional assignments could potentially alter his service time trajectory.

For now, the immediate focus for the Dodgers shifts to supporting Ryan through his lengthy rehabilitation process. The organization remains committed to helping him regain his full strength, with an eye towards a potential return to the mound in late 2025 or early 2026. Despite this significant setback, the Dodgers maintain their determination to build a competitive rotation for the upcoming seasons.