Dodgers may open series vs. Giants with debut of top pitching prospect

The Dodgers badly need pitching reinforcements. While the trade deadline could offer some reprieve there, they'll be looking for help internally first.

Manager Dave Roberts on Saturday told reporters before Los Angeles' game against the Red Sox that top pitching prospect River Ryan could be in line to start Monday when LA takes on the Giants at Dodger Stadium. MLB.com has Ryan listed as the Dodgers' No. 2 pitching prospect and No. 4 overall prospect.

Ryan, 25, joined the Dodgers organization in 2022 out of UNC-Pembroke. Since then he's made 49 appearances with 45 starts across five minor league levels. He has a 3.22 ERA in 176.1 innings with 75 walks and 212 strikeouts.

This season he's posted 2.22 ERA in eight appearances, all starts, in rookie ball, Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, and at Triple-A Oklahoma City. Ryan has 32 strikeouts and just eight walks in 24.1 innings in 2024.

It sounds like there's positive momentum toward both Clayton Kershaw and Tyler Glasnow returning from the IL which will help LA's pitching depth immensely. Ryan may still be in line for a start though given how well he's pitched in the minors this year and how much the Dodgers need starters who can eat some innings.