The Dodgers have announced that top pitching prospect River Ryan will undergo Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss the rest of the 2024 season and possibly the entire 2025 season while he recuperates. Ryan, who had an impressive 1.33 ERA in his first four big league starts, landed on the injured list after injuring his UCL in his most recent outing.
While it was already known that Ryan’s 2024 season was over, the decision to undergo Tommy John surgery represents the worst-case scenario following his UCL injury. Although an internal brace procedure could have led to a quicker recovery, a full ligament replacement typically requires pitchers to be sidelined for around 14 months. While each player’s rehab process is unique, a 12-month recovery is usually the minimum for pitchers undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Ryan, a 25-year-old who was drafted in the 11th round by the Padres in 2021 and later traded to the Dodgers in exchange for Matt Beaty, has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the top pitching prospects in baseball. His impressive performances in the minors and in his brief time in the majors have earned him recognition on various prospect rankings.
The Dodgers have faced numerous challenges with injuries to their pitching staff this season, with several key players undergoing season-ending surgeries. Despite these setbacks, the team is looking to regroup and strengthen their rotation for the remainder of the year.
As Ryan embarks on his road to recovery, he will remain on the MLB injured list and continue to receive major league pay and service time. The focus now shifts to supporting Ryan as he works towards a successful return to the field in late 2025 or early 2026.
