Who will replace River Ryan? Dodgers prospect's injury opens spot for veteran pitcher

The Los Angeles Dodgers announced that promising rookie River Ryan will be sidelined for the remainder of the season. The 25-year-old's first year in the majors has been abruptly cut short after being diagnosed with a UCL strain in his throwing arm.

"River Ryan, a surprise bright spot for the Dodgers, with a 1.33 ERA will be undergoing elbow surgery after this pitch. The Dodgers just can’t stay healthy" - @TheSkippersView

Unfortunately for River Ryan and the Los Angeles Dodgers, he becomes the latest pitcher to hit the IL. Even though Ryan had only been able to throw 20.1 innings this season, he proved to everyone that he can pitch. Over his four starts, Ryan posted a 1.33 ERA with 18 strikeouts.

Although the Dodgers and their fans will be hoping for a complete and successful recovery for Ryan, the team will also need to keep their eye on the remainder of his season. Harsh or not, the club needs to determine who could replace River Ryan in the rotation for the remainder of the year.

The most likely and obvious choice to replace Ryan is Walker Buehler. The veteran star is working his way back to the MLB rotation after being placed on the IL back on June 18. Once viewed as a true superstar on the mound, Buehler has not only struggled to remain healthy but has looked like a shell of his old self when he is pitching.

After nearly two years, Buehler returned to the Dodgers earlier this season. Despite the inspiring return from significant setbacks, he struggled to perform at the level he had earlier in his career.

"Buehler ... Walker Buehler. The rehabbing @Dodgers right-hander strikes out 5 over 5 1/3 strong innings for @okc_baseball" - @MiLB

Through 37.0 innings, Buehler posted a 5.84 ERA and 1.514 WHIP. While he may end up taking River Ryan's spot in the rotation, the production may not be the same.

River Ryan joins an ever-growing list of injured Dodgers pitchers

Something has not been right lately for the Los Angeles Dodgers as their pitching staff cannot stay healthy. It's not only the number of pitchers sidelined that has been alarming but some of their star batters such as Mookie Betts and Max Muncy.

The UCL injury to Ryan led to him joining a number of his teammates on the IL, including Emmet Sheehan, Tony Gonsolin, and Dustin May. Entering the season, both Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler were on the IL as well as Shohei Ohtani being shut down from pitching this year. The Dodgers might be a World Series threat, but they will have to stay healthy if they want a shot at it.