The Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with yet another challenge as they find themselves navigating an increasingly turbulent season marked by injuries to their pitching staff. In the most recent blow, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates following forearm tightness, a worrisome development for the Dodgers' ambitions.
Early Departure for River Ryan
Ryan, who had only recently returned to the mound after missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, was taken out of the game after pitching 4 2/3 innings and delivering 56 pitches. The discomfort in his forearm was first noticed during the third inning, and although he attempted to ease the tightness with a massage gun between innings, the issue resurfaced in the fifth, prompting his early exit.
"Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," manager Dave Roberts said, expressing both hope and caution. The nature of Ryan's injury raises plenty of concern, as forearm issues often hint at more severe underlying problems. Roberts added, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
A Season Plagued with Pitching Injuries
This latest injury to Ryan adds to the Dodgers' long list of pitching woes this season. The team's rotation has seen a revolving door of pitchers, with 17 different starters taking the mound—a clear indication of their struggle to maintain a consistent pitching roster. Notably, Bobby Miller, another integral piece of the Dodgers' pitching cadre, missed two months due to shoulder inflammation. Miller's stint in the major leagues has been rough, with an 8.07 ERA across seven starts before being demoted. His time in Triple-A hasn’t fared much better, as he posted a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Ryan's potential stint on the injured list now takes center stage, with further medical evaluations scheduled. Considering the team's dependency on his arm after a minor trade brought him from San Diego for Matt Beaty in March 2022, anticipation and anxiety surround the outcome of his tests.
Ryan’s Promising Start
Despite these challenges, Ryan has shown significant promise. In his four MLB starts this year, he recorded a commendable 1.33 ERA, positioning him as a key player in the Dodgers' strategy. His performance hadn't gone unnoticed, with Baseball America ranking him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
Team Performance Under Pressure
The Dodgers, holding a 68-49 record, have hit a rough patch, evident in their 17-18 results over the last 35 games. This dip in performance has eroded what was once a comfortable lead in the NL West. Shrinking from an 8.5-game cushion on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games, the pressure is mounting on the team to stabilize their course as they approach the latter part of the season.
As the Dodgers brace for more updates on Ryan's condition, the emphasis on cautious optimism is palpable. The pitchers' injuries have significantly impacted their consistency and success, and another potential long-term absence could alter their trajectory further. The outcome of Ryan's medical evaluation on Sunday will likely be a pivotal moment for the Dodgers as they strategize their path forward amidst a season of uncertainties.