Dodgers Face Challenge as Rookie Pitcher River Ryan Injures Forearm
In a season already riddled with injuries, the Los Angeles Dodgers are grappling with yet another blow to their pitching staff. During Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan was forced to exit early due to forearm tightness.
A Promising Start Cut Short
Ryan, who had shown promise in his previous outings, left the game after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches. The young pitcher first experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning but attempted to loosen up between innings using a massage gun. Despite his efforts, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, necessitating his departure from the mound.
"Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," stated Manager Dave Roberts in a post-game interview. "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Another Setback in a Tough Season
Ryan’s exit marks another injury for a Dodgers team that has already cycled through 17 different starting pitchers this season. The rookie had only recently made his return after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder. Despite these challenges, Ryan had an impressive 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year.
As Ryan heads for further testing, it is another in a series of unfortunate events for the Dodgers' pitching rotation. Bobby Miller, another promising young player, also missed two months earlier in the season due to shoulder inflammation. Miller struggled upon his return, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts before being demoted. In Triple-A, his struggles persisted with a 5.82 ERA, reflective of a nearly even number of walks (16) and strikeouts (17) over five starts.
Challenges Loom Large
Ryan's exit adds to the Dodgers’ woes as the team finds itself in a precarious position. Originally acquired from the San Diego Padres in a seemingly minor trade for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022, Ryan has since emerged as a key figure in the Dodgers' rotation. His performance has not gone unnoticed, earning him the No. 10 spot on Baseball America's midseason update of the Dodgers' top prospects.
Despite boasting a 68-49 record, the Dodgers have experienced a slump, evidenced by a 17-18 stretch over their last 35 games. Their lead in the NL West, which was as comfortable as 8.5 games on July 23, has now dwindled to a mere 2.5 games, placing additional pressure on the team.
The Dodgers are left hoping for favorable news following Ryan's upcoming tests. With a fragile pitching staff, the team must navigate the remainder of the season carefully, balancing the need for wins with the health and longevity of their burgeoning talents.
As Manager Dave Roberts emphasized, the priority is caution: "We've got to be careful with him."
For now, the Dodgers and their fans will anxiously await Sunday’s medical report, holding their breath that River Ryan's latest injury will not linger as the team fights to reclaim their dominance in the National League West.