River Ryan throws three shutout innings in Tigers debut
The youth movement of the Detroit Tigers made another debut, as the first piece of the Skubal trade made his major league arrival for the franchise.
River Ryan made his first start for the Tigers, and it ended in three shutout innings against the Washington Nationals on Monday night.
Sep 21, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Tigers pitcher River Ryan pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Comerica Park.
He threw 43 pitches before being taken out, which is on-par with his two starts with the Toledo Red Hens in Triple-A. His pitch-mix mostly included the four-seam fastball and slider, with the fastball topping out at over 98 mph, but he showed a 92mph changeup and sinker that led to swings and misses.
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Despite facing a Nationals' lineup of five lefty hitters and the switch-hitting Keibert Ruiz, the right-handed pitcher only allowed two weak hits and struck out three with just one walk. It also didn't hurt to pitch with a 2-0 lead, as the Tigers scored two runs in the first inning.
Ryan was one of three Dodgers prospects included in the Aug. 2 Tarik Skubal trade, with outfielder Zyhir Hope and pitcher Brady Smith also included in the trade deadline deal. Ryan had made just one previous major league start in 2024 with the Dodgers before missing the entire 2025 season with Tommy John surgery.
The 28-year-old was on the IL with a hamstring strain, going through two rehab starts in Triple-A Toledo. This may not be his only start of the year, as AJ Hinch said that Ryan is starting Sunday's season finale against the Pirates.
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: River Ryan throws three shutout innings in Tigers debut
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