Dodgers make it clear they are prioritizing River Ryan's future with spring training decision

Los Angeles Dodgers fans have been tantalized by what River Ryan's return to action could bring. After ascending to top prospect status and wowing in his 2024 big league debut that was brutally cut short by an elbow injury that required Tommy John surgery, Ryan and his future have long been on everyone's minds.

When he came into camp with 30 pounds of additional muscle, it seemed clear that big things were in store for the 27-year-old. Finally. His spring training didn't disappoint, with a 1.86 ERA and 33.3% strikeout rate over 9 2/3 innings.

While many viewed him as a starter, the Dodgers' glut of rotation-caliber pitchers and the manner in which they deployed him throughout the spring hinted that his pathway to the big league roster might be out of the bullpen, potentially in a multi-inning bulk-relief role.

That dream came to an end on March 18 when Los Angeles optioned him to the minors, but in doing so, they let it be known what the plan for the future is for the right-hander.

The Dodgers are playing it safe with River Ryan while hinting that his future is in the starting rotation

Coming off a major surgery, the Dodgers decided not to take any risks with Ryan. Rather than put him under the bright Hollywood lights to begin 2026 in a likely unfamiliar role, they've decided to bring him along slowly in Oklahoma City.

There, they can make sure his arm is built back up slowly, outside of the pressure cooker of chasing a three-peat. That tells us something important. The Dodgers truly view Ryan as a key building block for the future.

Now, it won't matter if he is on a pitch count or can't immediately go deep into games. The objective is to have him regain his strength in the hopes that he doesn't suffer a devastating injury again.

That doesn't mean a pivotal role isn't in store for Ryan at some point down the road this season, or that appearing in meaningful major league games at some point this year won't be in the cards. Instead, this is about the club realizing exactly what type of asset they have on their hands and working intentionally to develop him into the best possible pitcher he can be.

So while fans might want to see Ryan bloom at the highest level right away, the Dodgers are playing it safe and making the right call. This is the benefit of building a ton of depth. Other clubs would throw him into the fire right away and rely on him for a big role. Not LA. They can afford to play the long game, and they'll be better off for it.