The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with another significant hit to their already strained pitching rotation. In the latest development, River Ryan had to exit Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness, adding another name to the team’s growing injury list.
Ryan first experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning and attempted to alleviate the pain using a massage gun between innings. Despite these efforts, by the fifth inning, the tightness returned, resulting in Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts pulling him from the game. The next day, it was confirmed that Ryan had torn the UCL in his throwing elbow, an injury that necessitates Tommy John surgery. This injury spells the end of Ryan's 2024 season and could possibly sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025 season as well.
This is a particularly harsh blow for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the rookie right-hander. Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, had already spent the first two months of the season sidelined with a sore shoulder. The team’s anticipation for his return was high, especially given his potential. Baseball America had noted that Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter."
Rotation Challenges
Ryan's injury further complicates an already challenging situation for the Dodgers. Another significant arm, Bobby Miller, also missed substantial time earlier in the season due to shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller struggled mightily, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A wasn't much better, where he posted a 5.82 ERA and tallied nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) over five starts.
The Dodgers have found themselves relying on an ever-increasing number of starting pitchers this season. They have employed 17 different starters, the highest number in baseball. In response to Ryan’s injury, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. This move underscores the team’s ongoing scramble to find a stable rotation as they push towards postseason play.
Dodgers' Standings and Prospects
Despite these rotation issues, the Dodgers currently boast a record of 70-49, the best in the National League. They maintain a 3 1/2 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres. However, the challenge remains for Manager Dave Roberts and his staff to piece together a robust and effective rotation for the postseason.
Roberts's primary focus will be on preserving the health of the remaining arms and managing their innings judiciously. The aim is to sustain their strong position at the top of the National League standings while navigating a particularly daunting stretch of the season.
As the Dodgers venture deeper into the final stages of the season, every decision regarding their pitchers becomes crucial. The loss of River Ryan, combined with the previous setbacks, puts additional pressure on the entire organization to maintain consistency and performance. The call-up of Landon Knack signifies another chapter in this season’s rotating cast of starters, each playing their part in the team’s pursuit of continued dominance.
While the Dodgers have clear hurdles ahead, their ability to adapt and respond to these adversities will define their journey through the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. As the team rallies, the contributions of each player, seasoned or newly called up, will shape the Dodgers' bid for postseason success.