The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching struggles have shown no signs of abating as another arm goes down. Rookie right-hander River Ryan is the latest addition to the list of injured starters. Ryan's outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night was abruptly terminated due to forearm tightness after just 4 2/3 innings. As confirmed by Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts, "Ryan's season is officially over."
The 24-year-old Ryan has had a challenging season, marked by a couple of peaks but mostly valleys. Initially acquired from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for Matt Beaty in March 2022, Ryan showcased glimpses of promise during his limited appearances. He boasted an impressive 1.33 ERA across his four starts, a statistic that underlines his potential when fully fit. Recognized as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system by Baseball America, Ryan was expected to be a vital element in the team's pitching rotation.
Injuries Plague Dodgers' Pitching Staff
Unfortunately, Ryan's promising season was hindered by recurring health issues. He first felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning against the Pirates. Despite attempting to manage the pain with a massage gun between innings, it became apparent that his condition was serious enough to end his season. This forearm injury adds to a sore shoulder problem that had already sidelined him for the first two months of the season.
Ryan is far from the only Dodger pitcher haunted by injuries this season. The team has been compelled to utilize 17 different starting pitchers, the highest in the league. This revolving door of starters has not only disrupted the roster but has also had a tangible impact on the team’s performance. Bobby Miller, another highly-touted prospect, missed two months earlier this year with shoulder inflammation. His numbers reflect the turbulent pitching scenario; Miller has posted an 8.07 ERA over seven big-league starts. His performance in Triple-A has been similarly inconsistent, with a 5.82 ERA and a nearly even count of walks to strikeouts.
Next Man Up - Landon Knack
To fill the void left by Ryan, the Dodgers have called up Landon Knack. Whether the 25-year-old can sustain the team’s playoff ambitions remains to be seen, but he's stepping into a rotation that's desperately seeking stability.
Despite the constant churn in the pitching staff, the Dodgers have managed to amass a commendable 68-49 record. They currently hold the second-best record in the National League, yet their recent form has been a cause for concern. The team has gone 17-18 in their last 35 games, and their lead in the NL West has shrunk dramatically. From a comfortable 8.5-game cushion on July 23, it now stands at a precarious 2.5 games.
Playoff Aspirations on the Line
The Dodgers' determination to secure their playoff position underscores the urgency with which they must address their pitching issues. With Ryan out and other pitchers battling inconsistency and injuries, the road ahead appears formidable. How the team navigates through these turbulent times could very well shape their fate as the postseason approaches.
The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves in a critical juncture where every game holds significant weight. The resilience of new additions like Knack and the recovery of key players will be pivotal. As the season unfolds, the Dodgers' hopes hinge on balancing their remarkable offensive prowess with a dependable pitching lineup—a task easier said than done, given their current predicament.
The coming weeks will be a stern test for this storied franchise, and only time will tell if the Dodgers can overcome their relentless pitching woes to make a deep playoff run.