The Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation woes have deepened with the latest setback involving rookie right-hander River Ryan. Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing forearm tightness, dealing a significant blow to a team already struggling with injuries to its pitching staff.
Ryan first noticed discomfort in the third inning and attempted to mitigate the pain between innings using a massage gun. Unfortunately, by the fifth inning, the tightness had returned. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts was forced to remove Ryan from the mound, a move that perhaps hinted at the severity of the situation.
The following day, an immediate diagnosis landed Ryan on the injured list. Subsequent tests revealed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, a devastating injury that necessitates Tommy John surgery. This procedure not only concludes Ryan's 2024 season but is also expected to sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
Ryan's injury is particularly disheartening for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the rookie right-hander. Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, had already missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. The team viewed him as a potential key piece in their rotation, with scouts praising his potential. As Baseball America had noted, Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter."
Compounding the issue, Bobby Miller, another promising young right-hander, also missed significant time with shoulder inflammation. Since his return, Miller has struggled to find his form, recording an alarming 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being sent down. His performance at Triple-A hasn't been much better, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly an equal number of walks (16) to strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers’ pitching troubles are underscored by the fact that they have used 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in baseball. To mitigate the impact of Ryan's absence, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. Whether Knack can stabilize a rotation in flux remains to be seen.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers boast an impressive record of 70-49, the best in the National League. However, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by just 3 1/2 games, maintaining their position at the top of the standings is no small feat.
Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff now face the monumental task of piecing together a rotation capable of carrying the team through the postseason. The focus will be on preserving the health of their remaining arms and carefully managing innings to prevent further injuries. This delicate balancing act will be crucial as the Dodgers aim to maintain their supremacy in the National League.
The road ahead is daunting for the Dodgers, but if any team can navigate these troubled waters, it's a club with their depth and resilience. The Dodgers' ability to adapt and overcome will be instrumental as they fight to stay at the top amidst a cascade of setbacks.