Dodgers Call Up River Ryan, Officially Designate James Paxton for Assignment

The Los Angeles Dodgers have made it official. Right-handed pitching prospect River Ryan has been called up to start Monday night’s series opener against the San Francisco Giants.

To make room on the 40-man and active rosters, left-handed pitcher James Paxton has been designated for assignment.

Ryan, 25, is the Dodgers’ No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline. The team acquired him from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in what’s become one of the more lopsided trades in the teams’ histories.

Ryan has shot up the Dodgers’ prospect ranks, and is now set to make his MLB debut on Monday night. The 25-year-old has a great fastball, curveball, and slider to go along with his changeup, and should make an instant impact at the big league level.

Ryan has made eight starts across Rookie Ball, Single-A, and Triple-A this season. He has a 2.22 ERA across 24.1 innings. Since being called up to Triple-A, he has a 2.76 ERA across 16.1 innings.

With both Tyler Glasnow and Clayton Kershaw expected to return to the big league rotation this week, Ryan may not have a long stay. However, he’ll have an opportunity to make a strong impact on Monday night.

As for Paxton, he’s designated for assignment after going 8-2 with a 4.43 ERA in four months with the team. The Dodgers will now likely look to find a trading partner for him.

Photo Credit: Tim Rogers