The Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation has taken another significant hit, compounding the challenges of an already strained pitching staff. River Ryan, a beacon of hope for the team's future, exited Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness, a sign of worse things to come.
Ryan first experienced discomfort in the third inning, managing the pain through the use of a massage gun until the fifth inning. When the tightness returned, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts had no choice but to pull him from the game.
The diagnosis was swift and severe: a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, confirmed by subsequent tests. This injury will require Tommy John surgery, abruptly ending Ryan's 2024 season and most likely sidelining him for the majority, if not all, of 2025.
A Promising Start Cut Short
River Ryan's journey into the major leagues began earlier this year, with high expectations from the Dodgers organization. Baseball America once noted he “has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter,” a sentiment echoed by those within the team. Unfortunately, Ryan’s freshman season was marred by injuries even before this latest setback. He missed the first two months due to a sore shoulder, further delaying his chance to showcase his full potential.
Injuries Pile Up
Ryan’s injury is another blow to a Dodgers rotation that has been in constant flux this season. He’s not alone in the list of injured pitchers; Bobby Miller also endured a frustrating season with shoulder inflammation that led to significant time away from the mound. Upon his return, Miller struggled to find his form, posting a 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts, resulting in a demotion to Triple-A where the challenges persisted. Miller recorded a 5.82 ERA, with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts at that level.
Managing a Rotating Cast
The Dodgers have employed 17 different starting pitchers throughout the season, the most in Major League Baseball. Despite the constant rotation of fresh arms, the team has managed to maintain a solid performance, boasting a 70-49 record and holding the best record in the National League. This feat is all the more impressive considering the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trail them by just 3 1/2 games.
Next Man Up
To replace Ryan, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. Knack will be tasked with providing stability to a rotation that has constantly been under duress. Manager Dave Roberts and his team face the challenging task of piecing together a reliable rotation as they eye a deep postseason run.
On the Path to the Postseason
As the Dodgers navigate through the remainder of the regular season, the management of their remaining pitching assets will be crucial. The team must focus on preserving the health of their arms, carefully managing innings to prevent further injuries.
Maintaining their spot at the pinnacle of the National League standings is not just a goal but a necessity. The Dodgers’ resilience and ability to adapt to adversity have been tested repeatedly, and they have emerged stronger each time. Now, as they face another significant hurdle, they turn their focus to fortifying their rotation and ensuring their longevity in the race for a championship.
As the season progresses, the Dodgers will need to leverage every available resource to remain competitive. The integration of Landon Knack, the careful management of existing pitchers, and the unwavering resolve of the team will be critical as they aim to keep their standing and push into the postseason.