The Los Angeles Dodgers Face Another Rotation Setback as Rookie River Ryan Succumbs to Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation woes continue as rookie right-hander River Ryan's promising season has come to an abrupt and unfortunate end. Ryan exited Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing forearm tightness, adding to a growing list of pitching challenges for the team.
Ryan’s discomfort became apparent in the third inning, prompting him to use a massage gun between innings in an attempt to alleviate the pain. Despite this, by the fifth inning, the tightness had returned with a vengeance, forcing Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove Ryan from the mound. Subsequent tests confirmed the worst for the young pitcher—a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This injury concludes Ryan's 2024 season and will likely sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, was a beacon of hope for the Dodgers. The team had high expectations for the rookie right-hander, who Baseball America noted "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." Unfortunately, Ryan's journey this season has been fraught with obstacles. He missed the first two months battling a sore shoulder and now faces a long recovery from surgery.
The challenges don’t stop with Ryan. Fellow pitcher Bobby Miller also missed significant time due to shoulder inflammation. Miller's return to the major league was less than stellar, as he struggled with an 8.07 ERA over seven starts, leading to a demotion. His stint in Triple-A brought little improvement, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
These setbacks have forced the Dodgers to rely on a staggering number of starting pitchers this season—17 different arms, the most in baseball. Despite these hurdles, the Dodgers maintain an impressive record of 70-49, currently the best in the National League. They lead the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres by 3 1/2 games, showcasing the team's resilience and depth.
To compensate for Ryan’s absence, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. This move underscores Manager Dave Roberts and his staff's ongoing challenge to assemble a functional rotation as the postseason approaches. Their focus will be on preserving the health of their remaining pitchers and carefully managing innings to avoid further injuries.
The Dodgers' performance this season, despite frequent rotations in the bullpen, demonstrates their determination and strategic management. As they aim to secure their position at the top of the National League standings, every decision and adjustment made by Roberts and his team carries significant weight. The successful integration of Knack into the lineup will be crucial as the team navigates the remainder of the season.
The resilience of the Dodgers, amidst a tumultuous season for their pitching staff, is remarkable. Every game, every inning, and every pitch is a testament to their commitment to excellence and their pursuit of glory. As they move forward, the preservation and management of their remaining arms will be pivotal in sustaining their lead and achieving postseason success.