LOS ANGELES, CA—As the Los Angeles Dodgers look to wrap up the first full month of the 2026 regular season, the team has been hit hard by the injury bug, with multiple star players on the injured list missing significant time.
Headlining this list are All-Star shortstop Mookie Betts and newly signed closer Edwin DÃaz, who is expected to miss most of the regular season after undergoing right elbow surgery last week.
However, two more arms that were poised for big roles at some point this season were right-handers River Ryan and Gavin Stone, but both are currently on the injured list.
Dodgers Injury Update: River Ryan, Gavin Stone Trending Toward Returns
We haven't heard much about updates on either arm, but that changed earlier this week: in an interview with Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group, Dodgers General Manager Brandon Gomes gave an update on the timelines for both young starters.
Dodgers general manager Brandon Gomes said the injury is not considered serious and Ryan has already resumed throwing.
“Somebody who is that talented, that young, coming off (Tommy John) surgery, we're going to be prudent in the build-up and make sure we err on the side of caution rather than just ramping him back up to say, ‘Oh, River's back at four innings and is an option.' We're just not gonna do that. So he's progressing well coming off the hamstring tweak.â€
Ryan made two starts for Oklahoma City before hitting the IL, giving up five runs (two earned) with 10 strikeouts and just two walks over seven innings. It's his first season back after missing all of last year recovering from Tommy John surgery. He flashed strong form in Spring Training but still opened the year in Triple-A.
The Dodgers are expected to turn to Ryan later this season as they manage their starters' workloads ahead of the postseason. In 2024, he went 1-0 with a 1.33 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over four starts before the elbow injury that ultimately led to surgery.
As for Gavin Stone, Gomes revealed that the right-hander has resumed throwing bullpens and that the recovery after his Cactus League debut injury is progressing well.
“Velocity is tracking well,†Gomes said. “Glad to see Gavin back at it. We know how hard he's worked over the last year-plus. So he's feeling good and trending in the right direction.â€
Stone, 27, was arguably the Dodgers' best starter just two seasons ago with a breakout 2024 season, pitching 140.1 innings with a 3.53 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 116 strikeouts, along with leading the Dodgers staff with the most innings and games started.
While Ryan seems to be further along physically, it remains the expectation that one or both of the arms will rejoin the Dodgers during the second half of the regular season.
More Dodgers Coverage:
Have you subscribed to the Bleed Los Podcast YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows & promotions, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
