Injury Woes Continue for Dodgers with Ryan's Season-Ending Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced another setback in their pitching rotation, further straining an already beleaguered squad. The latest blow came during Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates when rookie right-hander River Ryan exited the mound after experiencing forearm tightness, forcing Manager Dave Roberts to pull him in the fifth inning. Ryan first felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning and, despite using a massage gun between innings to alleviate the pain, found himself unable to continue by the fifth.
An Immediate Impact
The immediate aftermath was grim for Ryan and the Dodgers. The discomfort led to an initial diagnosis that placed him on the injured list the following day. Subsequent tests confirmed the worst—a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This injury effectively ends Ryan’s 2024 season and likely sidelines him for the majority, if not all, of 2025, a tremendous blow for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the promising rookie.
River Ryan made his major league debut earlier this year, filling in a rotation marred by injuries and inconsistencies. Unfortunately, his career with the Dodgers has been plagued by physical ailments, having already missed the initial two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. Ryan’s potential was undeniable; Baseball America remarked that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," a sentiment echoed throughout the Dodgers' organization.
Pitching Depth Tested to Limits
Ryan's injury is the latest chapter in a season filled with pitching struggles for the Dodgers. Bobby Miller also missed significant time with shoulder inflammation and struggled upon his return, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before his subsequent demotion. In Triple-A, Miller’s performance did little to inspire confidence, managing a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts. This has put immense pressure on the Dodgers, who have used 17 different starting pitchers this season—a major league high.
In an effort to fill the void left by Ryan, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. While Knack's promotion is a necessary move, the task of piecing together a functioning and competitive rotation for the postseason looms large for Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff.
Pennant Race Pressures
Despite these pitching woes, the Dodgers have managed to maintain an impressive record, standing at 70-49 and holding the best record in the National League. They maintain a narrow lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres, who trail by just 3 1/2 games. These circumstances place an enormous emphasis on the Dodgers' ability to preserve the health of their remaining arms and carefully manage innings as they gear up for a potential playoff run.
The Dodgers' focus will not only be on maintaining their standing but also on ensuring that their current pitchers can successfully handle the rigors of the remaining season. The juggling act of keeping their roster competitive and healthy is crucial, given the hurdles they have already faced this year.
Looking Forward
As the Dodgers navigate the final stretch of the season, the pressure to perform and stay at the top of the National League is palpable. Every decision, from managing the pitching staff to nightly lineup choices, carries significant weight. Ryan's injury is a stark reminder of the volatility and challenges that come with a grueling baseball season.
Manager Dave Roberts and his team, with the resilience they have demonstrated thus far, must continue to adapt and persevere. The Dodgers' ability to do so will ultimately determine their success as they aim to solidify their position at the top and make a deep postseason run, despite the formidable roadblocks that have sprung up along the way.