The Los Angeles Dodgers' ongoing challenges with their pitching staff took another hit on Saturday night as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited early from the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 24-year-old, who appeared to be establishing himself as a reliable starter, left the mound after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches due to forearm tightness, raising further concerns for the already beleaguered Dodgers' rotation.
Ryan's Early Departure
Ryan first felt discomfort during the third inning, but attempted to manage the situation by using a massage gun between innings. Unfortunately, the tightness returned by the fifth inning, leading to his exit. Manager Dave Roberts addressed the severity of the situation post-game, stating, "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow." Ryan is set to undergo further testing on Sunday and will be placed on the injured list, marking yet another setback for the Dodgers.
A Season Marred by Injuries
The timing of Ryan's injury is particularly unfortunate as he had only recently returned from missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. His performance since returning had been promising, boasting a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year, which is a commendable stat that reflects the potential he brought to the team's rotation.
However, the Dodgers' roster has been plagued with injuries beyond just Ryan. The team has already utilized 17 different starting pitchers this season, a staggering number that underscores the instability within their rotation. Bobby Miller, another young pitcher, also faced significant issues with shoulder inflammation, costing him two months of play. When Miller did pitch, his struggles were evident with an 8.07 ERA in his seven major-league starts before being demoted. In Triple-A, he continued to face difficulties, posting a 5.82 ERA with almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Challenges and Changes
Ryan joined the Dodgers in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022. Given his performance and potential, Baseball America ranked Ryan as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update. His recent injury is a significant blow not only to his development but also to the team's efforts to stabilize their starting rotation amid a season that's becoming increasingly defined by its unpredictability.
The Dodgers' overall performance has been a mixed bag lately. Despite holding a 68-49 record, the team has struggled over the past 35 games, going 17-18 in that span. This run has significantly tightened the National League West race, with their lead shrinking from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games now.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers await further news on Ryan's condition, Roberts didn't shy away from acknowledging the gravity of the situation: "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting." The team and fans alike are hoping for a positive update following Ryan's tests, but the uncertainty leaves a cloud over the pitching staff's future.
For the Dodgers, the priority remains clear: maintain their lead in the NL West while managing the health of their pitchers. Finding consistency in their starting rotation will be key as they navigate through the remaining weeks of the season, aiming not just for a playoff spot but for a healthy and effective roster come October.