The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing yet another setback in their already strained rotation. On Saturday night, rookie pitcher River Ryan was forced to exit the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness, further complicating the Dodgers' pitching situation.
Ryan, who had been a beacon of hope for the Dodgers after a challenging start to his rookie season, first experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. Despite using a massage gun to alleviate the pain between innings, by the fifth inning, the tightness returned, leaving Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts with no choice but to remove him from the game.
The subsequent diagnosis was the worst-case scenario for Ryan and the Dodgers. Tests confirmed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This devastating injury not only ends Ryan's 2024 season but also likely sidelines him for most, if not all, of 2025.
Ryan's journey this season had already been tumultuous. After making his debut earlier this year, he missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. The Dodgers had high hopes for the rookie right-hander, believing he had "the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," according to Baseball America. His recent injury puts those hopes on hold and adds to the litany of pitching woes the Dodgers have faced this season.
Another pitcher, Bobby Miller, also faced significant time off due to shoulder inflammation. Since his return, Miller has struggled to find his form, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven major league starts before being demoted to Triple-A. His performance in the minors saw little improvement, ending with a 5.82 ERA and almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
This season, the Dodgers have used 17 different starting pitchers, the most in baseball. The constant reshuffling reflects not just the injuries but the attempts to find a consistent and reliable rotation. The latest setback with Ryan has forced the Dodgers to call up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, hoping he can provide some stability as they push towards the postseason.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have shown incredible resilience. Currently holding a record of 70-49, they boast the best record in the National League. Their closest competitors, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres, trail by 3 1/2 games. As the postseason looms, Manager Dave Roberts and his staff face the daunting task of piecing together a rotation capable of supporting a deep playoff run.
The primary focus for the Dodgers now is preserving the health of their remaining arms and managing innings carefully. With the rotation in flux, every decision regarding rest and workload becomes critical. The Dodgers aim to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings, balancing aggressive play with smart management of their pitching resources.
Ryan's injury compounds an already difficult situation, but the Dodgers' ability to navigate adversity this season has been commendable. From managing significant injuries to key players to calling up fresh talent, the Dodgers have continually adapted and pushed forward. Their journey through the remainder of the season will require the same adaptability and resilience that has kept them at the top of the standings despite the constant hurdles.
As the Dodgers prepare for the crucial months ahead, all eyes will be on how they manage their rotation and whether their remaining pitchers can rise to the occasion. The challenge is immense, but if their performance this season is any indication, the Dodgers are more than capable of overcoming it.