Dodgers' Injury Woes Continue as Rookie Pitcher River Ryan Exits Early
The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit yet another obstacle in their tumultuous season, with rookie right-hander River Ryan becoming the latest pitcher to face injury. Ryan made an early exit from Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing forearm tightness, adding to the growing list of injured Dodgers' starters.
Early Exit Due to Forearm Tightness
Ryan, who had recently returned from a sore shoulder that sidelined him for the first two months of the season, left after just 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches. He initially felt discomfort during the third inning and attempted to manage the situation with a massage gun between innings. Unfortunately, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, prompting his departure from the game. The Dodgers have announced that Ryan will be placed on the injured list and will undergo further testing on Sunday.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed his concern following the game, stating, "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow. But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
A Season of Struggles for Dodgers' Pitching Staff
The Dodgers have had a particularly challenging season when it comes to their pitching rotation. With Ryan's injury, they have now utilized 17 different starting pitchers this year. Bobby Miller, another young pitcher, also faced setbacks with shoulder inflammation that kept him off the mound for two months. Miller's major-league starts have been far from stellar, as evidenced by his 8.07 ERA in seven appearances before being demoted. Even at Triple-A, Miller's performance has struggled, posting a 5.82 ERA and nearly equal numbers of walks (16) and strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Ryan's Promising Start and Background
Despite the mounting injuries, River Ryan has been a bright spot for the beleaguered Dodgers rotation. Since joining the team via a minor trade from the San Diego Padres in March 2022, Ryan has posted a commendable 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this season. His performance had earned him recognition, with Baseball America ranking him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system during their midseason update.
The Dodgers, even with such a high turnover of starting pitchers, have managed to maintain a record of 68-49. However, recent performances have indicated a rocky path, as the team has gone 17-18 over their last 35 games. This inconsistency has allowed their National League West division lead to dwindle from a comfortable 8.5 games on July 23 to a narrow 2.5 games.
As the Dodgers await further evaluation of River Ryan's injury, the team faces an urgent need to stabilize its starting rotation. With the postseason drawing nearer, the Dodgers' ability to navigate their persistent injury woes could be critical in determining their ultimate success this season. The organization, its fans, and the baseball community will be hoping for a positive update on Ryan’s condition, as they brace for what lies ahead in this highly competitive final stretch.