Injury Woes Deepen for Dodgers
In a season already marred by injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been dealt another significant blow to their pitching rotation. Rookie right-hander River Ryan, who debuted earlier this year, exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing forearm tightness. This latest setback further complicates the Dodgers' quest to stabilize their rotation as they head toward the postseason.
Ryan's troubles began in the third inning when he first felt discomfort in his forearm. In an effort to manage the pain, he used a massage gun between innings. However, his efforts were in vain, as the tightness returned in the fifth inning, forcing Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the game. The immediate diagnosis led to Ryan being placed on the injured list the following day, where subsequent tests confirmed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow—an injury that necessitates Tommy John surgery. According to medical projections, this surgery will conclude Ryan's 2024 season and likely sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
The Dodgers had high hopes for Ryan, a promising player described by Baseball America as one who "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." Unfortunately, Ryan has already faced significant adversity this season, having missed the first two months due to a sore shoulder. His untimely exit adds to the growing list of injured Dodgers pitchers, a roster that has already seen Bobby Miller miss significant time with shoulder inflammation. Miller struggled upon his return, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A wasn’t much better, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
So far this season, the Dodgers have used 17 different starting pitchers, the most in baseball, as they navigate through an injury-plagued year. To fill Ryan's spot, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. With a current record of 70-49, the Dodgers hold the best record in the National League. Yet, the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres are trailing closely, just 3 1/2 games behind.
Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff now face the critical task of piecing together a rotation for the postseason. Their immediate focus will be on preserving the health of their remaining pitching arms and managing innings with extreme care. Navigating this challenge successfully is essential if the Dodgers aim to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings.
The Dodgers' management has shown resilience in the face of adversity. The team’s leadership knows that each move they make from now on carries substantial weight in their quest for postseason success. Every decision, from innings management to call-ups like Knack, forms a strategic piece in the complex puzzle of maintaining their dominance in the league.
As the Dodgers battle against time and circumstance, the team's depth and managerial acumen will be put to the test. It remains to be seen whether the Dodgers can overcome these obstacles and continue their march toward a potential World Series bid.
For a team that's showcased immense potential and resilience, the loss of a promising rookie like River Ryan is indeed a bitter pill to swallow. However, the character and strength of this storied franchise lie in their ability to adapt, persevere, and rally when the stakes are highest.