River Ryan Prepares for MLB Return After Tommy John Comeback

River Ryan is turning adversity into opportunity. The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher spent the 2025 season rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, but instead of simply resting, he used the time to build his body and enhance his pitching. Ryan added roughly 30 pounds of muscle during recovery, increasing his throwing velocity and overall strength. At 27, the left-hander is eager to make his long-awaited return to MLB in 2026.

“Before I got hurt, I think I was 195 pounds and now I’m hovering around 225,” Ryan told reporters at DodgerFest Saturday. “I just ate a lot of calories and I lifted like an animal… I’m able to throw a lot harder a lot easier. Putting on some weight has really helped me in that process.” The added muscle mass has translated directly to pitching performance, giving him confidence as he works his way back to the majors.

Ryan’s journey to Los Angeles began in 2022 when the Dodgers acquired him from the San Diego Padres in exchange for utility player Matt Beaty. Originally drafted in the 11th round by San Diego, Ryan developed into one of Los Angeles’ top pitching prospects, quickly earning a reputation for his velocity and command. His rehab progress has been closely monitored, and both teammates and coaches are optimistic about his potential impact.

Dodger manager Dave Roberts expressed excitement about Ryan’s return, noting that his time on the sidelines could fuel a competitive edge. “To see your teammates celebrate and go through what we went through and not be able to participate… that hunger is what we’re betting on for his impact in 2026,” Roberts said.

1. Rehabbing Into Strength

Ryan’s offseason has been as much about physical transformation as it has been about recovery. He credits the additional weight gained during rehab for allowing him to throw harder with less effort, a key factor for pitchers coming off major elbow surgery. The 30-pound muscle gain came from a rigorous regimen of lifting and nutrition, paired with guidance from the Dodgers’ strength and conditioning staff. Ryan briefly overshot his target at 230 pounds, prompting discussions with the team’s weight coach to find the optimal balance between mass and mobility. In addition to adding power, Ryan focused on mechanics and endurance. The combination of improved velocity and healthy arm mechanics positions him to contribute effectively once back in the Dodgers’ system. The left-hander’s progress has been closely tracked by the team, who see him as a high-upside arm that could contribute to an already deep pitching staff, either as a starter or long-relief option.

2. Competition in a Loaded Rotation

Despite Ryan’s progress, breaking into the Dodgers’ rotation will be challenging. Los Angeles finished 2025 with a six-man rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, Clayton Kershaw, and Emmet Sheehan. Except for retired Kershaw, all are expected back in 2026, alongside Roki Sasaki, who returns to a starting role after a brief relief stint. Ryan posted a 1.33 ERA in his MLB appearances prior to injury, but with such a deep roster, he is unlikely to earn an Opening Day rotation spot. Instead, he may see opportunities as injuries inevitably affect the staff over a long season. The Dodgers’ depth, while a challenge for Ryan, also ensures that any innings he earns will come in high-leverage situations, giving him a chance to prove his capabilities while learning from elite veterans. Ryan’s approach has been patient and methodical, understanding that success in Los Angeles requires both performance and timing. His offseason work positions him to seize opportunities whenever they arise.

3. Looking Ahead to 2026

As Spring Training approaches in February, Ryan will continue refining his pitches and conditioning to maximize his return. Dodgers coaches are optimistic that the rehab process has not only restored his arm but enhanced his overall skill set. Ryan’s role may evolve throughout the season, from long relief appearances to spot starts, depending on team needs and health. His ability to adapt and contribute will be critical as the Dodgers chase a third consecutive title. The team is hopeful that Ryan’s hunger, combined with the physical and mental growth from rehab, will make him a key contributor in 2026. With a healthy arm and added velocity, he could emerge as a valuable depth option and potential midseason rotation asset. If all goes as planned, Ryan’s 2026 season will mark a full-circle moment, turning a major surgery setback into a springboard for success on a championship-contending Dodgers roster.