The Los Angeles Dodgers, already grappling with a beleaguered pitching rotation, have been dealt yet another blow. On Saturday night, during a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited in the fifth inning due to forearm tightness.
Ryan's troubles began to surface in the third inning when he initially felt discomfort in his throwing arm. In between innings, he attempted to alleviate the pain using a massage gun, but the relief was short-lived. By the fifth inning, the tightness had returned with a vengeance, sidelining the promising rookie. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts promptly removed Ryan from the game, culminating in an immediate diagnosis that placed him on the injured list the following day.
Subsequent tests revealed a torn UCL in Ryan's throwing elbow, a severe injury that necessitates Tommy John surgery. This development abruptly ends Ryan's 2024 season and potentially sidelines him for most, if not all, of 2025. It's a significant setback for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the young pitcher after he made his debut earlier this year.
A Rough Rookie Year
Ryan's 2024 season has been marred by injuries from the start. He missed the initial two months due to a sore shoulder, only to now face an even more daunting recovery period. Despite these setbacks, scouts have been optimistic about his potential. Baseball America noted that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," a sentiment echoed by the Dodgers' coaching staff. His early exit and subsequent lengthy absence leave a noticeable void in the team's rotation at a critical juncture in the season.
Domino Effect on the Rotation
Ryan's injury isn't an isolated event for the Dodgers' pitching staff this year. Fellow pitcher Bobby Miller also missed significant time due to shoulder inflammation. Miller struggled upon his return to the major league mound, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven starts before being demoted. His subsequent performance in Triple-A provided little comfort, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The struggles and injuries of Ryan and Miller exemplify the broader challenges faced by the Dodgers' rotation this season. As a testament to their difficulties, the team has used 17 different starting pitchers, the most in baseball. This constant reshuffling underscores the precarious nature of their pitching staff moving forward.
Next Man Up: Landon Knack
In response to Ryan's injury, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. While Knack's promotion provides a temporary solution, it also adds pressure on him and the remaining pitchers to step up in the absence of key players.
Maintaining a Strong Stand
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers remain a formidable presence in the National League. Currently holding a record of 70-49, they sit atop the standings with the best record in the league. Their nearest competitors, the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres, trail by 3 1/2 games.
However, the onus is on Manager Dave Roberts and his staff to piece together a viable rotation as the postseason approaches. The primary focus will undoubtedly be on preserving the health of their remaining arms and managing innings with an eye toward prolonged success in October. With the regular season winding down, the Dodgers aim to maintain their dominant position in the standings.
The latest setback with River Ryan adds another layer of complexity to the Dodgers' pitching conundrum. Nevertheless, the resilience and depth of the team will be put to the test as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season and prepare for the high stakes of postseason baseball.