Two New Pitchers Join Dodgers in Milwaukee, Signaling Potentially Massive Roster Shakeup Before Brewers Showdown Tuesday

The Los Angeles Dodgers may be preparing to make another significant shift to their roster, and it’s not just smoke—there’s fire. Two new arms arrived in Milwaukee ahead of Tuesday night’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers, and their presence could be the signal of a major move by one of baseball’s most aggressive front offices.

At a time when the Dodgers are battling for National League supremacy and continuing to adjust amidst injuries and inconsistencies in the pitching staff, the appearance of these two new pitchers raises eyebrows—and expectations. This isn’t simply a matter of extra bullpen insurance. This hints at a broader recalibration as the team eyes the postseason and fortifies its already formidable rotation and bullpen with fresh firepower.

As of Monday night, multiple sources confirmed the presence of left-hander River Ryan and right-hander Landon Knack in Milwaukee. Both have been standout arms in the organization’s farm system and are on the 40-man roster, which suggests their call-up is not precautionary or merely administrative. The timing and the players involved indicate that the Dodgers may be preparing to make multiple corresponding moves that could affect the current pitching hierarchy.

While official announcements have yet to be made, it’s believed that one or more of the current pitchers on the major league roster could be heading to the injured list or even designated for assignment, especially in light of recent underwhelming performances. Some speculation points to Michael Grove or Ryan Yarbrough, both of whom have struggled with consistency, or even a surprise IL stint for a veteran with lingering issues the club has kept quiet.

Let’s take a closer look at the two incoming pitchers and why their arrivals in Milwaukee aren’t just routine depth moves—but a strategic pivot.

River Ryan: The Versatile Lefty with Ace-Level Ceiling

River Ryan, originally acquired from the San Diego Padres in the 2021 trade that sent Matt Beaty south, has quietly ascended the Dodgers’ prospect ladder. Though he began his professional career as a two-way player, the Dodgers converted him full-time to pitching, and the results have been nothing short of thrilling.

In Triple-A Oklahoma City this season, Ryan has posted a 2.67 ERA across 11 starts, striking out 74 in just 64 innings. His mid-to-upper 90s fastball, biting slider, and developing changeup have made him nearly unhittable on good days. But perhaps more valuable than the stats is his profile as a swingman. Ryan has the build and stamina to start, but also the adaptability and velocity to slot into a high-leverage relief role, which could be crucial for the Dodgers as they manage innings and late-game matchups.

Given that the Dodgers are cautious with young pitchers, the fact that Ryan is traveling with the team could imply an immediate role, especially with left-handed relief help needed and the backend of the rotation in flux. His presence hints at the Dodgers possibly leaning into a hybrid bullpen day strategy or even inserting him into a sixth starter slot ahead of the All-Star break.

Landon Knack: The Under-the-Radar Workhorse

If Ryan is the high-upside lefty, Knack is the steady technician from the right side. Drafted in the second round of the 2020 MLB Draft out of East Tennessee State, Knack has steadily developed into one of the system’s most dependable arms. He made his major league debut earlier this season and was solid, giving the team quality innings when called upon.

In Triple-A, Knack’s command-first profile has led to a 3.21 ERA with just 11 walks in 58 innings. His fastball sits in the low 90s but plays up due to elite location and a devastating changeup that has become his go-to out pitch. Knack might not wow fans with pure velocity, but he earns outs and limits hard contact—something the Dodgers’ bullpen has sorely needed during recent rough stretches.

With Ryan offering power and versatility, Knack adds balance and reliability. This dual addition could mean that the Dodgers are planning not just a short-term patch, but a more sustained shift in how they manage the rotation and bullpen through the dog days of summer.

What This Says About the Dodgers’ Current Strategy

The timing of this move—just a week before the All-Star break—adds intrigue. While some teams might wait until after the Midsummer Classic to reshuffle, the Dodgers are striking now. That suggests urgency, likely driven by recent uneven performances and perhaps injury concerns not yet made public.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto remains sidelined with a strained rotator cuff and is not expected back until August. Walker Buehler’s return hasn’t been as sharp as hoped, and Clayton Kershaw, while close to a return, is being eased in carefully. Bobby Miller just came off the IL, and Gavin Stone has looked solid, but innings limits and fatigue are likely to become factors by late July.

In the bullpen, Evan Phillips and Daniel Hudson have remained consistent, but the middle relief corps has been shaky. The addition of Ryan and Knack could be an effort to stabilize the bridge from starter to closer while giving Dave Roberts more matchup flexibility.

And the looming trade deadline adds another layer to the intrigue. The Dodgers are expected to be major players, with names like Garrett Crochet, Mason Miller, and Michael Kopech swirling in rumors. But before swinging another big deal, the team may want to see how their internal options stack up. This audition period for Ryan and Knack could determine if they hold onto prized prospects or are willing to include them in a blockbuster.

A Possible Roster Domino Effect

If Ryan and Knack are activated before Tuesday’s game, expect at least one pitcher to be optioned or placed on the injured list. Michael Grove and Ryan Yarbrough are the most likely candidates to make way, though others such as Alex Vesia or Nick Ramirez could also be on the bubble depending on matchup needs and fatigue.

The Dodgers could also make a more creative move—such as using an opener or piggybacking Ryan and Knack in tandem to manage workloads and maximize their different styles. Don’t rule out a scenario where one starts the game and the other finishes it, giving Roberts flexibility without overtaxing the bullpen.

Further down the line, this could open the door for future reshuffling once Yamamoto and Kershaw return. The Dodgers may finally get the full version of their projected super-rotation, and how Ryan and Knack perform could determine whether they’re part of that picture—or trade chips to acquire more proven arms.

When two promising pitchers are flown in ahead of a road series, it’s not by accident. The Dodgers, despite sitting atop the National League West, know their roster is a living organism—one that needs constant care, especially in pursuit of a World Series.

River Ryan and Landon Knack arriving in Milwaukee may not grab national headlines today. But for those paying attention, it’s the clearest sign yet that the Dodgers aren’t waiting for the trade deadline to fix what they believe needs adjusting now.

Andrew Friedman and his front office aren’t reactionary—they’re calculated. And this latest move is calculated brilliance. If Ryan and Knack prove they belong, the Dodgers may have found the boost they need without giving up assets. If they falter, it will only reinforce the urgency to act aggressively by July 30.

Either way, this is a Dodgers team refusing to stand still. The postseason is coming. And with two fresh arms in tow, the Dodgers are already gearing up for October, one chess move at a time.