Los Angeles Dodgers rookie right-hander River Ryan will undergo Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow, the team announced, per Juan Toribio of MLB.com.
While the Dodgers didn't provide a timetable for his return, the surgery means that Ryan - who had already been ruled out for the rest of this season - will likely miss most, if not all, of 2025. Typical recovery time from Tommy John surgery can range anywhere from 12 to 18 months.
It's also unclear whether he'll undergo the traditional Tommy John surgery or the newer internal brace procedure. The alternative brace surgery, which has become more popular in recent years, can speed up recovery time.
Ryan suffered the injury Saturday during his fourth big-league start. He was removed after throwing a pitch in the top of the fifth and later diagnosed with right forearm tightness. The Dodgers declared him out for the season Sunday after he was diagnosed with a strained UCL.
His injury is the latest blow to an already reeling Los Angeles rotation that's struggled to stay healthy over the last few seasons. Ryan is the team's sixth starter, and 10th pitcher overall, currently on the injured list, joining a list that includes Walker Buehler and Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
Emmet Sheehan and prospect Kyle Hurt both underwent Tommy John earlier this year, while Tony Gonsolin had the procedure last season. Dustin May, meanwhile, hasn't pitched since 2023 because of a torn flexor tendon and an unrelated torn esophagus. The rash of injuries in the organization has led to increased questions about how the Dodgers use their pitchers, and whether they can do more to prevent injuries.
"We're looking into it and trying to figure out: Is there an acute thing? Is there an over-arching issue to get at?" general manager Brandon Gomes said earlier this week, according to Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic. "Right now, I wish I had more answers but we continue to dig. We're seeing it across the industry. We feel it more acutely when it happens to us. But I don't think this is all that unique."
Candidates to take Ryan's spot in the rotation include Landon Knack, who was recalled after Ryan's injury, and Bobby Miller, who was optioned to Triple-A in July after struggling in the majors. Either pitcher could serve as a placeholder until Yamamoto returns. Buehler, who's out with a hip injury, is expected to come off the IL and start either Wednesday or Thursday in Milwaukee.
Ryan, who'll turn 25 on Saturday, put up a 1.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP with 18 strikeouts after joining the Dodgers in late July. He's ranked as their No. 10 prospect by Baseball America.
