The Los Angeles Dodgers' already depleted rotation has suffered another setback. On Saturday night, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited in the fifth inning after experiencing significant forearm tightness. Ryan had begun feeling discomfort as early as the third inning, and despite using a massage gun to manage the pain between innings, the tightness resurfaced, forcing Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the mound.
Medical evaluations the following day provided a grim diagnosis for Ryan: a torn UCL in his throwing elbow. This injury necessitates Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his 2024 season and likely sidelining him for the majority, if not all, of 2025. This is a tough blow for the Dodgers, who had high expectations for Ryan following his debut earlier this year.
The 2024 season has been fraught with injuries for the 24-year-old Ryan. He missed the first two months due to a sore shoulder, and now, this latest injury casts a long shadow over his promising career. Baseball America had noted earlier this season that Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," highlighting the potential he brings to the mound.
Dodgers' Rotation Challenges
Ryan is not the first pitcher to face significant health challenges this season. Bobby Miller, another right-hander, also missed a considerable amount of time with shoulder inflammation. Since his return, Miller has struggled to find his form, posting an 8.07 ERA over seven major league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A hasn't fared much better, recording a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers have utilized 17 different starting pitchers this season—more than any other team in baseball. This relentless rotation carousel underscores the extent of their injury woes. In light of Ryan's injury, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack from Triple-A to fill the vacancy.
The Road Ahead
Currently holding a 70-49 record, the best in the National League, the Dodgers maintain a slim lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres, who both trail by 3 1/2 games. Managing this lead while preserving the health of the remaining pitchers will be a delicate balancing act for Manager Dave Roberts and his staff.
Roberts faces the critical task of piecing together a reliable rotation for the postseason. This will require not only strategizing around the existing roster but potentially making last-minute adjustments to maintain consistency and effectiveness on the mound.
As the Dodgers aim to sustain their position at the top of the National League standings, the focus will be on judiciously managing the innings of their remaining healthy pitchers. The team’s strategy will revolve around preserving their arms and minimizing the risk of further injuries. While no team can entirely avoid the unpredictability of baseball injuries, a mindful approach to player health will be essential for the Dodgers' success moving forward.
In a season marked by challenges and setbacks, the Dodgers continue to demonstrate resilience and depth. However, with yet another key player sidelined, their perseverance will be tested as they navigate the remaining weeks of the regular season and prepare for a high-stakes postseason run.