The Los Angeles Dodgers face yet another setback in their already strained rotation as rookie right-hander River Ryan exits the season with a severe injury. During Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan was forced off the mound in the fifth inning after experiencing tightness in his forearm. This discomfort, first felt in the third inning, could not be alleviated even with the use of a massage gun between innings.
By the time the fifth inning rolled around, the tightness intensified, prompting Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove Ryan from the game. The following day, the club placed Ryan on the injured list, and subsequent tests confirmed the worst-case scenario: a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This diagnosis not only concludes Ryan's 2024 season but also likely sidelines him for most, if not all, of 2025.
Ryan’s injury is a significant blow for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the rookie. Having debuted earlier this year, Ryan's potential was evident. According to Baseball America, he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter.” However, this promising start to his career has been marred by injuries. Ryan already missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, making this setback even more disheartening for both the player and the team.
Compounded Pitching Woes
Ryan's injury is the latest in a series of unfortunate events for the Dodgers' pitching staff. Bobby Miller, another promising right-hander, also missed significant time this season with shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller struggled, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. His struggles continued in Triple-A, where he recorded a 5.82 ERA, with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) over five starts.
To make matters worse, the Dodgers have been forced to use 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in Major League Baseball. This revolving door of pitchers underscores the significant challenges the team has faced in maintaining a stable rotation.
A Call to Arms: Landon Knack Steps In
In an attempt to fill the void left by Ryan, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. While Knack may not completely resolve the team’s pitching issues, he represents another piece in the Dodgers' strategy to navigate the remainder of the season.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers have managed to hold the best record in the National League, standing at 70-49. They currently lead the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres by 3 1/2 games. This impressive record speaks volumes about the depth and resilience of the roster, even in the face of adversity.
Managing Through the Crisis
The task now falls to Manager Dave Roberts and his staff to piece together a rotation capable of carrying the Dodgers through the postseason. This effort will involve not only identifying effective replacements but also preserving the health of their existing arms and managing innings carefully.
Maintaining their position at the top of the National League standings is no small feat, particularly given the litany of injuries that have plagued the pitching staff. Yet, the Dodgers' ability to adapt and their relentless pursuit of excellence continue to shine through as they aim to secure a strong playoff run.
As the Dodgers navigate these turbulent times, the fans, players, and organization alike will be hoping for a swift recovery for River Ryan and the eventual return to form for a rotation that has shown flashes of brilliance amid the setbacks. With the playoffs on the horizon, the Dodgers' resilience will be tested, but their resolve remains unwavering.