Full Breakdown
River Ryan's Comeback: Gaining 30 Pounds During Tommy John Recovery
2/1/2026, 1:00:22 AM
River Ryan's Recovery and Weight Gain
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher River Ryan has revealed that he gained 30 pounds while recovering from Tommy John surgery, increasing his weight from 195 pounds to 225 pounds. This transformation was shared during Dodgers Fan Fest, where Ryan explained, “I just ate a lot of calories and I lifted like an animal. I put on 30 pounds in like five months.” He noted that this weight gain has positively impacted his pitching velocity, stating, “I’m able to throw a lot harder a lot easier.” Ryan missed the entire 2025 season due to the surgery, which he underwent after suffering a UCL strain during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in August 2024.
Anticipation for the 2026 Season
As Ryan prepares for his return to Major League Baseball, he expressed enthusiasm about participating in the upcoming season. “I’ve been chomping at the bit to get back out there,” he said, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute to the team after a prolonged absence. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has also expressed excitement about Ryan's return, highlighting the motivation that comes from witnessing teammates celebrate successes while he was sidelined. Roberts remarked, “Because to see your teammates celebrate... those are things that we’re all betting on for that extra hunger to kind of make their impact in 2026.”
Competitive Landscape in the Dodgers' Rotation
Despite his impressive performance in a brief MLB stint, where Ryan posted a 4-0 record with a 1.33 ERA, he is not expected to secure a spot in the Dodgers' Opening Day rotation for 2026. The team already has a strong lineup of starting pitchers, including World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani, and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Ryan is anticipated to serve as a depth piece, with the rotation likely filled by other pitchers such as Roki Sasaki and Emmet Sheehan, who is also returning from Tommy John surgery.
Official Statements & Responses
Ryan has acknowledged the competitive environment within the Dodgers' pitching staff, stating, “Honestly, we have a lot of great starting pitchers... I’m just going to do what [the organization] tells me to do.” He emphasized the importance of focusing on his performance rather than his position in the rotation, indicating a team-first mentality as he approaches the season.
Criticism & Opposition
While Ryan's weight gain has been framed positively in terms of performance, there may be concerns regarding the potential impact of such a rapid increase in weight on his mobility and overall health. However, Ryan has indicated that he is working closely with the Dodgers' training staff to ensure he reaches an optimal condition for pitching.
Verbatim Quotes
- “That's helped a lot. I just ate a lot of calories and I lifted like an animal. I put on 30 pounds in like five months. Then I got to 230 and I had some talks with the weight coach. I was like man, it's really hard for me to move I've never been this heavy. I've always been able to throw pretty hard, but for me right now, I'm able to throw a lot harder a lot easier. Putting on some weight has really helped me in that process.” — River Ryan, Los Angeles Dodgers Pitcher
- “Because to see your teammates celebrate and go through what we went through and not be able to participate, those are things that we're all betting on for that extra hunger to kind of make their impact in 2026.” — Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager
As River Ryan looks to make his mark in the 2026 season, his journey from injury to recovery highlights both personal determination and the competitive nature of Major League Baseball.
