The Los Angeles Dodgers' starting rotation has taken yet another significant hit, with rookie right-hander River Ryan exiting Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness. This injury further compounds the woes of an already beleaguered pitching staff that has been plagued by injuries all season.
Ryan's Early Departure
Ryan's troubles began in the third inning when he first experienced discomfort in his forearm. Despite attempting to manage the pain with a massage gun between innings, the tightness became unbearable by the fifth inning, forcing Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the game. The following day, tests confirmed the worst: a torn UCL in Ryan’s throwing elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. This devastating diagnosis not only ends Ryan's 2024 season but could also sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
A Promising Start Cut Short
Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, was seen as a beacon of hope for the Dodgers. Despite missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, he had shown potential that led the organization to believe he could become a mid-rotation starter, as noted by Baseball America. His promising start, however, has been abruptly halted by this significant injury.
Compounding Rotational Woes
The Dodgers' rotation has struggled with injuries throughout the season. In addition to Ryan, Bobby Miller—another promising right-hander—missed significant time with shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller grappled with form, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted. His stint in Triple-A was not much better, as he posted a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers have had to rely heavily on their depth, using 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in baseball. This carousel of arms has put a significant strain on the coaching staff as they navigate through these challenges.
Next Man Up: Landon Knack
In light of Ryan's injury, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack to fill the void. While Knack brings a fresh arm to the lineup, the coaching staff faces the daunting task of piecing together a rotation capable of sustaining their postseason ambitions.
Despite the adversity, the Dodgers continue to hold an impressive 70-49 record, the best in the National League. They lead the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres by 3 1/2 games. The team's ability to persevere through these injuries speaks volumes about their resilience and depth.
Managing the Road Ahead
Looking forward, Manager Dave Roberts and his staff will need to focus on preserving the health of their remaining arms and managing innings carefully. The goal will be to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings while crafting a competitive rotation for the postseason.
The Dodgers' season has been a testament to their depth and resilience. Despite the numerous setbacks, they have continued to excel, a credit to the management's strategic planning and the players’ tenacity. As they navigate the remainder of the season, the focus will be on overcoming the challenges and pushing towards a deep postseason run.