The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing another injury challenge as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early due to forearm tightness. This is a significant blow to a team already dealing with numerous pitching issues this season.
Early Exit for River Ryan
Ryan, who left after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches, first felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. He tried to manage the situation by using a massage gun between innings, but the tightness returned in the fifth inning, ultimately leading to his departure from the game.
“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 Manager Dave Roberts, expressing cautious optimism.
Ryan’s performance has been a breath of fresh air for the Dodgers this season. After recently returning from missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder, Ryan boasts a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts. However, concerns loom large over his latest setback.
Dodgers’ Pitching Woes
This season has seen the Dodgers resort to using 17 different starting pitchers, a clear indication of their struggles with injuries and inconsistency on the mound. Among the notable issues is Bobby Miller, who missed two months due to shoulder inflammation and returned with an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts—performances which subsequently led to his demotion. In Triple-A, Miller has a 5.82 ERA and has struggled with control, issuing almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Impact on the Standings
The injury to Ryan couldn't have come at a worse time as the Dodgers, who currently hold a 68-49 record, have seen their dominance in the NL West dwindle. At one point, they held an 8.5-game lead in the division on July 23, but that has now shrunk to just 2.5 games after going 17-18 over their last 35 games.
With the division lead slipping away and another pitcher sidelined, the Dodgers will have to strategize carefully to maintain their standing. The extent of Ryan’s injury is yet to be fully determined, and he will undergo further testing on Sunday.
River Ryan’s Background
The Dodgers acquired Ryan in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres in exchange for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022. Ryan, recognized as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system by Baseball America in their midseason update, has shown significant promise. His early performance in the majors reflected his potential to become a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ rotation in the future.
Manager Dave Roberts highlighted the team’s cautious approach towards Ryan’s situation, “But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting.”
The Dodgers’ management and fans alike will be hoping for positive news regarding Ryan's health. The team can ill-afford to lose another starting pitcher as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive amidst an increasingly competitive division.
As the injury list grows, the resilience and depth of the Dodgers’ pitching staff will be tested. For now, all eyes are on the medical reports expected on Sunday to better understand the extent of River Ryan’s injury and what lies ahead for the Dodgers’ rotation.