The Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation woes have taken yet another hit with the recent injury to rookie right-hander River Ryan. During Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan was forced to leave the mound in the fifth inning due to forearm tightness. This tightness, which first appeared in the third inning, eventually became unbearable despite Ryan’s attempt to manage the pain with a massage gun between innings. By the fifth inning, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts had no choice but to remove Ryan from the game.
Following the immediate diagnosis, which landed him on the injured list the next day, subsequent tests confirmed a torn UCL in Ryan's throwing elbow. This devastating injury will necessitate Tommy John surgery, effectively ending Ryan's 2024 season and likely sidelining him for most, if not all, of the 2025 season. The young pitcher, who made his debut earlier this year and was looked upon with high hopes by the Dodgers, now faces a long and challenging recovery process.
This latest setback compounds the Dodgers' rotation problems. Earlier this season, Ryan missed the first two months due to a sore shoulder. Another pitcher, Bobby Miller, also faced significant time out with shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller struggled significantly, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A, which included a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts, highlighted the ongoing difficulties within the Dodgers' pitching staff.
Rotation Carousel Continues
The Dodgers have had to rely on a staggering 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in Major League Baseball. The constant shuffling of pitchers has made it difficult for the team to establish a consistent and reliable rotation. To replace Ryan, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, hoping that he can provide some stability as the season progresses.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have managed to hold an impressive 70-49 record, which is currently the best in the National League. They find themselves fending off the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres, who trail by just 3 1/2 games. Manager Dave Roberts and his staff now face the formidable task of piecing together a rotation capable of taking them deep into the postseason. The focus will be on preserving the health of their remaining pitchers while carefully managing their innings to ensure peak performance when it matters most.
High Hopes Diminished
Ryan's injury is particularly painful for the Dodgers as they had high hopes for the rookie right-hander. As described by Baseball America, Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." This assessment instilled confidence in the Dodgers’ management that Ryan could become a mainstay in their rotation. His promising start hinted at a bright future, but now both the player and the team must contend with the harsh reality of his extended absence.
Ryan's journey has been marred by injury setbacks, yet his resilience and determination remain noteworthy. His ability to debut and contribute, despite missing the opening months of the season, is a testament to his talent and potential. The Dodgers will undoubtedly support Ryan throughout his recovery process, with the hope that he can eventually fulfill the promise he has shown in his brief time on the mound.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers’ primary objective moving forward will be to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings. This will involve not only prudent management of their pitching staff but also strategic utilization of the roster to ensure that all players are able to contribute to the team’s overall success. The resilience the team has shown thus far will need to continue as they navigate the remainder of the season without key contributors like Ryan.
As the Dodgers strive to overcome these adversities, the collective strength and cohesion of the team will be paramount. With an eye on postseason glory, Manager Dave Roberts and his staff will need to harness all available resources, including the newly promoted Landon Knack, to keep their championship aspirations alive. The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but the Dodgers have shown time and again that they have the mettle to persevere and excel in the face of adversity.