The Los Angeles Dodgers faced yet another challenge in their tumultuous season as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness. This is another blow to a team that has already seen a revolving door of starting pitchers this season.
A Painful Exit
Ryan, who had recently returned from a two-month absence due to a sore shoulder, left after pitching just 4 2/3 innings and throwing 56 pitches. The rookie first experienced discomfort during the third inning and attempted to alleviate the tightness using a massage gun between innings. However, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, forcing his departure from the game.
“Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow,” remarked Manager Dave Roberts post-game. “But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting.”
Ryan, who had been a bright spot with a stellar 1.33 ERA over his four MLB starts this year, will be placed on the injured list and is scheduled to undergo further testing on Sunday. The team and fans alike will be anxiously awaiting the results, hoping for a swift recovery.
Continued Pitching Woes
The Dodgers' starting rotation has been a game of musical chairs this season, a situation underscored by the fact that they have used 17 different starting pitchers already. This latest injury adds to the list of absentees, including Bobby Miller, who missed significant time with shoulder inflammation earlier this year.
Miller’s return to the major league mound has been rocky, sporting an 8.07 ERA in seven starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A hasn’t been much better, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) over five starts.
Ryan's Promising Beginnings
Ryan, who joined the Dodgers in a minor trade with the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022, has quickly made a name for himself. Baseball America recently recognized him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system, underscoring his potential despite the setbacks.
The Dodgers could ill afford another injury at this juncture. The team, which boasts a 68-49 record, has struggled recently, with a 17-18 tally over their last 35 games. Their lead in the NL West has also dwindled from 8.5 games on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games, making every game increasingly crucial.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers navigate these turbulent waters, the health and effectiveness of their starting rotation will be pivotal. With Ryan's status in limbo, the team must once again adapt. The continual reshuffling may be a test of the Dodgers' depth and resilience as they aim to secure their standing in the competitive NL West.
Manager Dave Roberts and the team can only hope for a quick turnaround for their talented rookie. As Ryan undergoes further evaluation, the best-case scenario would be a short stint on the injured list, enabling him to return and bolster the rotation as the season progresses.
This season has proven to be a rollercoaster for the Dodgers, fluctuating between remarkable success and frustrating setbacks. Ryan’s injury marks another challenging twist in their pursuit of excellence. The team’s adaptability and perseverance continue to be tested, with their sights set on solidifying their position as playoff contenders.