The Los Angeles Dodgers face yet another setback in their already troubled rotation. In Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, promising rookie River Ryan exited the mound in the fifth inning due to forearm tightness.
Ryan originally felt discomfort in the third inning but attempted to manage the pain using a massage gun between innings. By the fifth inning, however, the tightness was too much to bear, prompting Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to pull him from the game. The immediate diagnosis placed Ryan on the injured list the following day, and subsequent tests confirmed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. This procedure will not only end Ryan's 2024 season but will likely sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
A Rookie's Short-lived Triumph
River Ryan, who made his major league debut earlier this year, had been a beacon of hope for the Dodgers' future. "Has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," noted Baseball America, reflecting the high expectations set for the rookie right-hander. However, Ryan has had a tumultuous year, having already missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder.
Ryan’s unfortunate injury comes at a time when the Dodgers' rotation has been stretched thin. Bobby Miller, another young arm the team had banked on, also missed a considerable amount of time this season due to shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller struggled, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. His time in Triple-A hasn’t been less challenging, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Strain on the Rotation
The Dodgers have employed a staggering 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in Major League Baseball. The constant rotation of arms has forced the team into a continual state of adaptation. To fill the most recent void left by Ryan, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, hoping to maintain some stability as they eye the postseason.
The persistent injuries have necessitated a careful management of innings and a cautious approach to preserving the health of the remaining pitchers. The Dodgers, who currently hold a 70-49 record, sit atop the National League standings, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres by 3 1/2 games. However, Manager Dave Roberts and his staff now face the daunting task of piecing together a reliable rotation for their playoff run.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers' front office and coaching staff are well aware of the precarious situation they find themselves in. Ensuring the health of their rotation while managing the workload of their pitchers will be critical as they strive to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings. With postseason aspirations in mind, the team will need to navigate the coming weeks with both caution and strategic precision.
For the fans, the hope is that, despite the prolific injuries, the depth and resilience of the Dodgers can guide them through an arduous season and into the postseason with momentum. Whether or not River Ryan and other injured players make a swift comeback remains to be seen, but the challenges faced this season have highlighted the unpredictable nature of baseball and the importance of depth in a championship run.