The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching struggles have haunted them throughout the season, and the recent addition of rookie right-hander River Ryan to the injured list has only exacerbated their woes. During Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan's performance was cut short after just 4 2/3 innings due to forearm tightness, marking the end of his season.
Ryan's Impact and Injuries
Ryan, who joined the Dodgers from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for Matt Beaty back in March 2022, had shown promise with a remarkable 1.33 ERA across his four starts. According to Baseball America, he was ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system. However, his season faced an untimely end after he first felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning against the Pirates. Attempting to manage the pain, Ryan resorted to using a massage gun between innings, but it was not enough to keep him on the mound. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed, "Ryan's season is officially over."
This isn't the first time Ryan has dealt with injuries this year. He missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, making his latest forearm issue even more disheartening for both him and the team.
A Season of Rotating Starters
The Dodgers have utilized a league-leading 17 different starting pitchers this season, indicating the instability and injury-plagued nature of their rotation. This frequent rotation has undoubtedly taken its toll on the team's performance and standings. Bobby Miller, another pitcher who lost significant time earlier this year due to shoulder inflammation, returned to the big leagues but has struggled to find his rhythm, amassing an 8.07 ERA over seven starts. Even his stint in Triple-A didn't provide much solace, recording a 5.82 ERA with a nearly even count of walks to strikeouts.
With Ryan out, the Dodgers have called up Landon Knack to fill the vacant roster spot, hoping to stabilize their pitching lineup as the season progresses.
Current Team Standing
Despite these ongoing challenges, the Dodgers have managed to hold a solid 68-49 record, currently placing them second-best in the National League. However, recent performance metrics reveal underlying struggles. The team has gone 17-18 in their last 35 games, a stark decline from their earlier season dominance. This slump has had significant implications for their lead in the NL West; what was once a comfortable 8.5-game lead on July 23 has shrunk to a narrow 2.5 games.
Striving for Playoff Security
As the Dodgers aim to secure their position in the playoffs, the emphasis on improving their pitching staff becomes even more critical. The loss of River Ryan, coupled with Bobby Miller's challenges, highlights a pressing need for consistent and healthy starters to carry the team through the remaining season.
The rollercoaster nature of the Dodgers' season underscores the broader unpredictability and competitiveness of Major League Baseball. Every game, every inning, carries weight, and the path to the playoffs is paved with both extraordinary achievements and unforeseen setbacks. For the Dodgers, the journey forward will require resilience, strategic adjustments, and perhaps a bit of luck on the health front, to overcome the hurdles that have plagued them thus far.