The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced yet another setback to their beleaguered rotation, with promising rookie River Ryan exiting Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness. The ailment, which first surfaced in the third inning, forced Ryan off the mound by the fifth inning. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts, recognizing the severity of the situation, promptly removed Ryan from the game.
Ryan's troubles began when he felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. In an attempt to alleviate the pain between innings, he used a massage gun. However, by the fifth inning, the tightness had returned, preventing him from continuing. The immediate diagnosis placed Ryan on the injured list the following day, and subsequent tests confirmed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery.
Distressingly for the Dodgers, this injury means that Ryan's 2024 season is over, and he is likely to be sidelined for most, if not all, of 2025. This is a significant blow for a team that had high hopes pinned on the rookie right-hander, who made his debut earlier this year. River Ryan initially missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, marking his journey with bouts of adversity.
A Challenging Season for Dodgers Pitchers
Ryan is not the only Dodgers pitcher grappling with health issues this season. Bobby Miller also missed significant time with shoulder inflammation. Despite hopes for his strong return, Miller struggled, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. In his stint at Triple-A, Miller did not fare much better, posting a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
These injuries have forced the Dodgers to utilize a staggering 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in baseball. In response to Ryan's injury, the team called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, reflecting their continued need to adapt and find solutions amidst these ongoing challenges.
Postseason Hopes and Management Challenges
Despite these hurdles, the Dodgers have managed to hold an impressive record of 70-49, the best in the National League. They are currently leading the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres by 3 1/2 games. Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff now face the daunting task of piecing together a rotation that can endure the stress of the postseason. This involves not only preserving the health of their remaining arms but also managing innings with meticulous care.
The Dodgers' resilience and ability to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings amidst such adversity is noteworthy. Their performance this season underscores the depth of their roster and the tactical acumen of their management team.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season progresses, the Dodgers will continue to focus on safeguarding their pitchers' health and ensuring that their rotation can withstand the rigors of postseason play. The loss of River Ryan is undeniably significant, but the team has demonstrated the ability to adapt and persevere.
In a comment that encapsulates the high expectations placed on young talents like Ryan, Baseball America noted that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." The Dodgers will undoubtedly miss his potential contributions in the immediate future, but they remain committed to navigating the challenges ahead with the depth and determination that has characterized their season thus far.
The Dodgers' journey through the remainder of the season will be closely watched, as fans and analysts alike anticipate how the team will manage its rotation and strive to achieve their postseason ambitions despite the setbacks.