Injury Strikes Dodgers' Rotation Again as Ryan Out for Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced another setback in their already challenged rotation, losing rookie right-hander River Ryan to a significant injury. The issue arose during a Saturday night game against the Pittsburgh Pirates when Ryan was forced to exit due to forearm tightness. This latest blow adds to the Dodgers' ongoing struggle with pitcher injuries, casting a long shadow over their postseason aspirations.
Ryan's troubles began in the third inning, where he first felt discomfort in his forearm. Attempting to manage the pain, he used a massage gun between innings, but by the fifth inning, the tightness had intensified. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts then decided to remove the young pitcher from the game. Subsequent tests revealed a torn UCL in Ryan's throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This diagnosis officially landed him on the injured list and concludes his 2024 season while likely sidelining him for most, if not all, of 2025.
The timing couldn't have been worse for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for Ryan, particularly after his mid-season debut. The team had envisioned a promising future for the rookie known for his potential. Baseball America had previously noted that Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." However, this optimistic outlook has been derailed as the Dodgers grapple with the loss of yet another arm.
Ryan's injury is not an isolated incident in the Dodgers' season. He had already missed the first two months of the year due to a sore shoulder. Additionally, fellow pitcher Bobby Miller also suffered significant downtime with shoulder inflammation. Miller struggled upon his return, posting an 8.07 ERA over seven big-league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A didn’t fare much better, with a 5.82 ERA and almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
With Ryan out, the Dodgers have had to tap into their depth once more, calling up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack to fill the void. The team has used an astounding 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in Major League Baseball. Constantly shuffling players to manage their rotation speaks volumes about the challenges the team has faced this year.
Despite the adversity, the Dodgers maintain the best record in the National League with a 70-49 record. They hold a slim 3 1/2 game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres, showcasing their resilience in the face of continuous setbacks. Yet, the road ahead is arduous for Manager Dave Roberts and his staff, who now face the critical task of piecing together a rotation capable of sustaining their postseason run.
The immediate focus will be on preserving the health of their remaining arms while managing innings judiciously. With the postseason looming, every pitcher's availability becomes crucial, and the Dodgers will need to carefully strategize to ensure they can maintain their top position in the standings. It's a testament to their organizational depth and managerial acumen that they have remained competitive despite the extensive injuries.
As the season progresses, the Dodgers are left to wonder what could have been if their pitching staff had remained intact. Ryan's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability and challenges inherent in professional sports. While his season may be over, the hope is that after surgery and a grueling rehabilitation process, Ryan will return stronger, ready to fulfill the potential that so many in the organization saw in him.
The Dodgers' ability to adapt and continue performing at a high level amidst such turmoil will be a story to watch as the team looks to navigate the remainder of the season. The resilience they've shown thus far suggests they are more than up to the task, but only time will tell how the rest of their campaign unfolds.