Another Blow to Dodgers' Rotation: River Ryan Out for Season
Facing an already challenging season, the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff has been hit once again. The rookie right-hander River Ryan, who had just begun to find his footing in the majors, exited Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing forearm tightness. This unfortunate development forced Dodgers manager Dave Roberts to make a call to the bullpen, cutting short Ryan's outing in the fifth inning.
Ryan first reported discomfort during the third inning. In an attempt to alleviate the pain, he resorted to using a massage gun between innings. Despite his efforts, the tightness returned by the fifth inning, leaving Roberts with no choice but to remove him from the mound. Subsequent tests the following day confirmed the worst: Ryan had a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. The surgery effectively ends Ryan's 2024 season and casts doubt over his availability for most, if not all, of 2025.
The Impact of Ryan's Injury
The Dodgers had high hopes for River Ryan from the start. Making his debut earlier this year, the rookie showed promise and the potential to become a pivotal part of the Dodgers’ rotation. Baseball America even noted that Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." Unfortunately, injuries have plagued his young career. Ryan had already missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. His recent forearm injury only compounds the team's rotation troubles.
Ryan is not the only Dodgers' pitcher to face significant challenges this season. Bobby Miller has also struggled, battling shoulder inflammation that sidelined him for a large portion of the season. Upon his return, Miller was unable to find his form, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted to Triple-A. His performance there wasn’t much better, with Miller recording a 5.82 ERA, along with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Manager Dave Roberts and His Staff Face Tough Decisions
With Ryan's injury and Miller's struggles, the Dodgers are in a precarious position as they prepare for the postseason. The team has already used 17 different starting pitchers this season, the highest number in baseball, illustrating the extent of their rotation issues. This constant shuffling has put pressure on Roberts and his coaching staff to find a reliable combination of starters who can carry the team through to the playoffs.
Landon Knack Called Up
In response to Ryan’s injury, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack from their minor league system. As the season progresses, Knack's performance will be closely watched to see if he can provide the stability and depth that the Dodgers' rotation desperately needs.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain an impressive record of 70-49, holding the best record in the National League. With the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by just 3 1/2 games, the Dodgers have little room for error. The health of their remaining pitchers will be crucial as they aim to preserve their lead and secure their position at the top of the National League standings.
Preserving Arms for the Postseason
As the Dodgers look to the postseason, the task of managing innings and preserving the health of their arms becomes paramount. The coaching staff must carefully balance workloads to ensure that their starters can endure the rigors of playoff baseball. Given the current state of their rotation, every decision will be under scrutiny, as the margin for error is slim.
In conclusion, the latest injury to River Ryan is a significant blow to the Dodgers' rotation, exacerbating an already challenging situation. As they navigate the remainder of the season, the Dodgers will need to rely on both their veterans and new call-ups like Landon Knack to maintain their competitive edge. The road ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but with careful management and a bit of luck, the Dodgers hope to overcome these setbacks and make a deep postseason run.