The Los Angeles Dodgers, currently perched atop the National League standings, are grappling with yet another significant setback to their already fragile pitching rotation. On Saturday night, emerging star River Ryan departed during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness. This loss further strains a Dodgers rotation already marred by injuries and inconsistency.
Early Signs of Trouble
Ryan's discomfort was first noticeable in the third inning when he began to feel forearm tightness. In an effort to manage the pain, Ryan resorted to using a massage gun between innings. However, the relief was temporary. By the fifth inning, the tightness had escalated, forcing Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to make the difficult decision to pull Ryan from the mound. The following day, an immediate diagnosis placed Ryan on the injured list.
The Diagnosis and Consequences
Subsequent medical tests confirmed the worst: a torn UCL in Ryan's throwing elbow. The injury necessitates Tommy John surgery, effectively ending Ryan's promising 2024 season and casting a long shadow over his availability for most, if not all, of 2025. This development is a significant blow for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the rookie right-hander. Ryan's season had already been off to a delayed start due to a sore shoulder that kept him out for the first two months.
Managerial Challenges
The task now falls to Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff to patch together a rotation for the postseason. The Dodgers have already cycled through 17 different starting pitchers this season, more than any other team in Major League Baseball. The latest addition to the scrambling bullpen is right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, called up to replace Ryan.
Injury-Plagued Staff
Unfortunately, Ryan's injury is not an isolated incident. Fellow pitcher Bobby Miller has also struggled this season. After missing significant time with shoulder inflammation, Miller's return to the majors was less than stellar, boasting an 8.07 ERA over seven starts before he was demoted. In Triple-A, his performance remained shaky, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) across five starts.
The Road Ahead
Currently, the Dodgers hold a record of 70-49, the best in the National League. They maintain a slender lead with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by just 3 1/2 games. Despite the injuries and uncertainties, the focus for Roberts and his team will be on preserving the health of their remaining pitchers and carefully managing their innings. The ultimate goal remains the same: to hold on to their position at the top of the National League standings and make a deep run in the postseason.
A Long Season
The Dodgers' relentless pursuit of success this year has been met with numerous obstacles, but the resilience displayed by the team has kept them competitive. The loss of River Ryan is a significant setback, but the bullpen's depth and the strategic acumen of Manager Dave Roberts could well determine if the Dodgers can navigate this tumultuous period successfully.
Baseball America was optimistic about Ryan's potential, noting that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." The Dodgers will undoubtedly miss his presence on the mound, but the hope is that proper treatment and time will see him fulfill his potential in future seasons.
As the season progresses, every decision, every pitch, and every game will carry immense weight. The Dodgers' success amidst adversity will hinge on their ability to adapt and overcome, hallmarks of championship-caliber teams.