The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Struggles Continue with River Ryan's Season-Ending Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers have endured a tumultuous season on the pitching front, and their challenges have only grown with the recent injury to rookie right-hander River Ryan. In a match against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night, Ryan left the game due to forearm tightness. This setback adds another layer to the saga of the Dodgers’ beleaguered rotation. Ryan’s discomfort surfaced in the third inning, and despite his efforts to mitigate the pain with a massage gun, it flared up again in the fifth inning, prompting Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the game.
Following an initial diagnosis, Ryan was placed on the injured list the next day. Subsequent medical tests delivered the crushing news: a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This injury will not only conclude his 2024 season but is also likely to sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
For the Dodgers, this injury is a significant blow. Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, had been a beacon of hope for the team's future. Despite missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, Ryan showed potential that caught the attention of many. As quoted by Baseball America, Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." His early departure this season due to an elbow injury only darkens the clouds hanging over the Dodgers’ pitching staff.
Unfortunately, Ryan's predicament is not an isolated incident. Bobby Miller, another promising right-hander, also missed significant time this season dealing with shoulder inflammation. Miller’s return was marred by struggles on the mound; he recorded an 8.07 ERA in seven major league starts before being demoted. His Triple-A performance offered little solace, as he posted a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) across five starts.
This season, the Dodgers have deployed an astounding 17 different starting pitchers, the highest number in baseball. With the playoffs on the horizon, piecing together a reliable rotation has become a formidable task for Manager Dave Roberts and his staff. The team currently holds a record of 70-49, the best in the National League. Yet, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by just 3 1/2 games, the margin for error is slim.
To compensate for Ryan's absence, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. This move underscores the team’s reliance on its depth and the constant need to shuffle players to manage the innings of their starters carefully. The focus for the Dodgers is clear: preserve the health of their remaining arms and maintain their lofty position atop the National League standings.
The Dodgers’ journey through an injury-ridden season highlights the unpredictable nature of baseball. Each player’s health is fragile, and the road to the postseason is perilous. Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff face the daunting challenge of steering a ship battered by injuries towards October glory. As the playoffs approach, every decision, from pitching changes to managing innings, will be scrutinized under the glaring lights of high expectations.
The coming weeks will be a testament to the depth and resilience of the Dodgers’ roster. With high hopes pinned on their rookies and seasoned players alike, the team must navigate the choppy waters of their difficult season with persistence and strategic acumen. Despite the hurdles, the Dodgers remain a formidable force in the National League, and their journey towards the postseason promises to be an intriguing spectacle for baseball fans everywhere.