Dodgers Face Another Setback with River Ryan's Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers, already grappling with a season marked by frequent injuries, have encountered another challenge as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates prematurely. Ryan was pulled after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches due to forearm tightness, raising alarms within the team's management and fan base.
Ryan initially felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning and sought relief between innings with a massage gun. However, the tightness resurfaced in the fifth inning, necessitating his departure from the mound. "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 Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, voicing the team's cautious optimism.
Ryan’s injury is particularly disconcerting given his recent return from a sore shoulder that had sidelined him for the first two months of the season. With this new setback, the rookie is headed to the injured list and will undergo further testing on Sunday to determine the severity of his condition. "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting," Roberts added, echoing the unease felt throughout the organization.
The Dodgers have been relying heavily on their pitching depth this season, having used 17 different starting pitchers thus far. Among those pitchers, Bobby Miller has also faced challenges, missing two months with shoulder inflammation and struggling upon his return. Miller was eventually demoted after posting an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts. His stint in Triple-A has seen some improvement, though his 5.82 ERA and a nearly equal number of walks (16) to strikeouts (17) in five starts indicate ongoing struggles.
Ryan, who joined the Dodgers from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022, had been a bright spot in the rotation. Impressively, he has maintained a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year. His performance earned him recognition from Baseball America as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
The Dodgers’ season, marked by frequent changes in their starting lineup, is reflected in their recent performance. Though the team holds a 68-49 record, they have struggled lately, going 17-18 in their last 35 games. This has allowed the NL West lead to shrink from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games, putting additional pressure on the team to find consistency amid the injuries.
As the Dodgers prepare for the upcoming games, the loss of Ryan is a significant blow. His journey had been one of resilience and promise, making his latest injury a frustrating setback for all invested in the team's success. The Dodgers and their fans are now left hoping for a favorable outcome as Ryan undergoes further evaluation.
All eyes will be on the test results due on Sunday, as the team remains vigilant about managing Ryan’s condition and strategizing their rotation in his absence. The Dodgers' ability to navigate these turbulent times will be crucial in their bid to maintain their edge in the fiercely competitive NL West.