The Los Angeles Dodgers completed another round of roster cuts recently, optioning Kyle Hurt and River Ryan to the Triple-A Oklahoma City Comets.
Hurt had been converted to a full-time reliever this spring, while Ryan is still in more of a hybrid role, but primarily focused on starting. Both have made compelling cases to make the Opening Day roster this spring, but they are also recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Hurt briefly pitched for OKC last season as part of a rehab assignment, posting a 1.93 ERA with 10 strikeouts against five walks in 9.1 innings. Ryan did not pitch in 2025.
Both played well enough to break camp on the Opening Day roster, but Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said the pair of right-handers needed more time to get acclimated.
For Hurt, the organization wants to see that his body is prepared to handle the high-stress workload they ask of their relievers, according to Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
“He’s had a great spring,” Roberts said. “But I think for Kyle it’s the thought of he hasn’t pitched a whole lot the last couple years. We realize how talented he is. But to get him to get a foundation this year – be able to go back-to-back, pitch two innings in a night then see how he is on the third day to go out and pitch and see how he responds. … That’s what he needs to do.”
As for Ryan, he had not pitched in nearly two seasons entering this spring. He is one of a few pitchers in the organization who can fill multiple roles for the Major League pitching staff, depending on what the Dodgers need at any given point.
He could very well end up pitching out of the bullpen in the Majors this season, but the Dodgers see him as a starting pitcher first and foremost. Having Ryan begin the season in the Minors allows the Dodgers to control his workload better:
In a move with similar motivation, the Dodgers sent right-hander River Ryan to the minors. Ryan is also returning from Tommy John surgery. Like Hurt, he pitched well this spring and clearly figures into the Dodgers’ plans going forward. But they want to build him up slowly and limit his workload during his comeback season.
Both players showed they can have a positive impact on the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season.
Hurt generated 14.73 strikeouts per nine innings across seven appearances, totaling a 40% strikeout rate. Ryan had an all-around great spring, with a 1.86 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and an 11.17 K/9 in 9.2 innings.
River Ryan preparing as normal for 2026
Ryan said he has not been informed of any potential innings limit coming off Tommy John surgery, he told Dodger Blue.
Ryan is preparing as he normally would for this season, but he wouldn’t be surprised if the team gave him extra rest at certain points in the year.
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