Dodgers Face Another Blow as River Ryan Hits the Injured List
In a season fraught with pitching challenges, the Los Angeles Dodgers have encountered yet another setback. Rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates prematurely due to forearm tightness, adding to the Dodgers’ growing list of pitcher injuries.
Ryan, who had already missed the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder, left after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches. The issue first surfaced during the third inning when Ryan felt discomfort in his forearm. Despite attempting to loosen up with a massage gun between innings, the tightness resurfaced in the fifth inning, compelling his early departure.
"Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," said Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts post-game. His concern was palpable, especially with Ryan's promising start to the season.
The Dodgers, who have employed 17 different starting pitchers this season, will yet again need to adjust their rotation strategy. Ryan, boasting a 1.33 ERA in his four major league starts, had emerged as a reliable option amidst a sea of changing faces. His injury underscores the challenges Roberts and his coaching staff have faced throughout the season.
Unfortunately, Ryan is not an isolated case. Another hopeful, Bobby Miller, missed two months with shoulder inflammation. Miller's rocky return saw him posting an 8.07 ERA across seven major league starts before being demoted to Triple-A, where his performance has remained uneven with a 5.82 ERA.
Ryan's injury isn't just a setback for the player but a significant blow to the Dodgers' current campaign. Having joined the Dodgers from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022, Ryan quickly ascended the ranks. By midseason, Baseball America had recognized him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system. His progression was a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent pitching storyline for the team.
As of now, Ryan is set to be placed on the injured list and will undergo further testing on Sunday. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the worrisome nature of forearm injuries, stating, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Historically, forearm tightness can be a precursor to more severe injuries, making the upcoming test results crucial for determining Ryan's short and long-term future with the team. The Dodgers, who currently hold a 68-49 record, have seen their dominance in the NL West shrink. From leading by 8.5 games on July 23, they are now only 2.5 games ahead, adding pressure to their remaining schedule.
The team's recent record of 17-18 over the past 35 games reflects the impact of ongoing injuries and the need for consistent performances from their pitchers. With playoff aspirations, the Dodgers will need to strategize carefully around their depleted rotation.
The news of Ryan's injury adds another chapter to a tumultuous season for the Dodgers' pitching staff. Finding solutions and maintaining their lead in the NL West will be critical as they await the results of Ryan's medical evaluation.