The Los Angeles Dodgers Face Another Blow to Rotation: River Ryan Out for Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers have encountered yet another setback in their already strained pitching rotation. On Saturday night, during a matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan left the game with forearm tightness that ultimately spelled an end to his season.
Ryan first felt discomfort in the third inning but attempted to manage the pain with a massage gun between innings. By the fifth inning, the tightness had returned, prompting Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to pull him off the mound. An immediate assessment led to Ryan being placed on the injured list the following day. Subsequent tests revealed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This devastating diagnosis means Ryan will miss the entirety of the 2024 season and will likely be sidelined for most, if not all, of the 2025 season as well.
Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, had been a promising addition to the Dodgers' rotation. Despite missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, the Dodgers had significant hopes for the rookie. His absence adds to an already challenging year for the Dodgers' pitching staff.
In addition to Ryan's injury, Bobby Miller also missed substantial time with shoulder inflammation earlier in the season. When Miller returned, he struggled mightily, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A has not been much better, with a 5.82 ERA, nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers have been forced to use an astounding 17 different starting pitchers this season, more than any other team in baseball. To fill the void left by Ryan, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. The constant shuffling of pitchers is a testament to the dire straits of the Dodgers' rotation, but it has not yet impacted their standing in the league.
The Dodgers currently hold an impressive 70-49 record, the best in the National League. They maintain a 3 1/2 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres. Despite the injuries and changes in their rotation, the team has managed to stay at the top of the standings.
However, as the postseason approaches, Manager Dave Roberts and his staff face the monumental task of piecing together a reliable rotation. Preserving the health of their remaining arms and carefully managing innings will be paramount in their strategy moving forward. There is a clear emphasis on maintaining their position at the pinnacle of the National League standings while preparing for the postseason challenges ahead.
The recent string of injuries underscores the precarious nature of relying on pitching depth, and the Dodgers' organization will need to be vigilant in ensuring their remaining pitchers are kept in optimal condition. Roberts and his staff must constantly evaluate and adjust their strategy to navigate these turbulent times.
Baseball America has noted that Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," a potential that will now be deferred due to his prolonged recovery. The Dodgers, known for their resilience and tactical acumen, will have to lean on these strengths as they chart a course through this season's hurdles.
As the regular season progresses, the resilience and adaptability of the Los Angeles Dodgers will be tested. Their ability to overcome adversity and manage their pitching resources effectively will be critical determinants of their success in the playoffs and beyond.