The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching staff continues to be battered by injuries, disrupting what has otherwise been a promising season. The latest blow came with the loss of rookie right-hander River Ryan, whose season has been cut short due to forearm tightness.
Injury Bug Bites Again
Ryan, who had shown flashes of brilliance through his four starts, was forced to leave the mound during Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after just 4 2/3 innings. The discomfort in his forearm became apparent in the third inning, compelling Ryan to use a massage gun between innings in an effort to manage the pain. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t push through, and his early exit sealed his fate for the season. "Ryan's season is officially over," confirmed Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts.
This development adds Ryan to a lengthy list of Dodgers' pitchers sidelined by injuries. The rookie, who joined the team from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for Matt Beaty in March 2022, had maintained an impressive 1.33 ERA across his starts. Ryan was not just holding his own but thriving, having been ranked as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system by Baseball America. His sudden absence leaves a significant gap in the lineup, adding to the team's compounded challenges on the mound.
Plagued by Injuries
The Dodgers have now clocked in 17 different starting pitchers this season, leading the league in this unfortunate category. Ryan had already missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, a precursor to the current predicament. The situation mirrors the issues faced by Bobby Miller, another young pitcher who lost two months earlier this year to shoulder inflammation. Unfortunately, Miller has struggled to find his groove upon his return, posting a dismal 8.07 ERA over seven major league starts and a 5.82 ERA in Triple-A, with an almost even count of walks to strikeouts.
Rosters in Flux
To fill the roster spot vacated by Ryan, the Dodgers have called up Landon Knack. The ongoing shuffling of players underscores the depth of the Dodgers' pitching crisis. Despite the setbacks, the team has managed to keep their competitive edge, boasting a 68-49 record and the second-best record in the National League. However, this recent spell has been challenging, with a lukewarm 17-18 record over their last 35 games.
Race for the Playoffs
The Dodgers' once comfortable lead in the NL West has significantly narrowed from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games. The team is now in a critical phase, striving to secure their position in the playoffs. With key players sidelined and the bullpen under tremendous pressure, every game becomes crucial in this tightly contested race.
The Dodgers' resilience will be put to the test as they navigate through this demanding period. The hope is that players like Knack can step up and fill the void left by the likes of River Ryan, while veterans and up-and-comers alike band together to push for a strong finish. As the season progresses, the Dodgers will need nothing short of a collective effort to overcome their pitching woes and cement their playoff aspirations.