The Los Angeles Dodgers have been dealt another blow to their already beleaguered rotation as River Ryan exited Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness.
Ryan’s discomfort surfaced initially in the third inning but escalated by the fifth, compelling Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the mound. Despite utilizing a massage gun between innings to alleviate some of the pain, Ryan's tightness persisted. Subsequent tests revealed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, a devastating injury necessitating Tommy John surgery—the procedure that will not only conclude Ryan’s 2024 season but likely sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
The injury to Ryan marks another setback for the rookie right-hander, who had just made his debut earlier this year amid high expectations. The Dodgers had hoped for big things from Ryan, with Baseball America noting that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." This latest injury is a significant blow, especially considering Ryan missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder.
The Dodgers' pitching rotation has been a revolving door this season, compounded by injuries and inconsistent performances. Bobby Miller, who also struggled with shoulder inflammation, experienced a particularly rough stretch. Upon his return, Miller posted an 8.07 ERA in seven major league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A hasn’t been much better, logging a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
In response to Ryan's injury, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, who will be tasked with helping to stabilize a rotation that has now used 17 different starting pitchers this season—more than any other team in baseball.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers maintain a stellar 70-49 record, currently holding the best record in the National League. The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trail them by 3 1/2 games. Yet, Roberts and his staff face the critical task of piecing together a viable rotation as the postseason approaches. Preserving the health of their remaining arms and managing innings carefully will be paramount if they aim to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings.
The Dodgers' resilience will undoubtedly be tested in the weeks to come. With their pitching depth being pushed to its limits, every available arm will be crucial in their continued quest for postseason success. Ryan’s unfortunate injury epitomizes the unpredictable nature of a baseball season, reminding us that despite the best-laid plans and highest hopes, the game often has a way of leveling the playing field.
As the Dodgers look to rally and rebuild their rotation, the rest of the league will be watching closely. This storied franchise is no stranger to adversity, and their response to these latest challenges will likely define their season. With stars in the lineup and a resilient management team, the Dodgers remain poised to fight through this difficult period, aiming to preserve their top spot and make a strong push into October.