Dodgers Face Another Setback as Rookie Pitcher River Ryan Exits with Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers find themselves grappling with more adversity this season as yet another starting pitcher succumbs to injury. In a Saturday night match against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan left the game unexpectedly early, casting a shadow over the team's pitching roster.
Ryan exited the game after delivering 4 2/3 innings and throwing 56 pitches. The young pitcher, who had been showing promise, was forced to leave due to forearm tightness—a discomfort that first appeared in the third inning. Despite initial efforts to manage the condition with a massage gun between innings, the tightness reemerged in the fifth, necessitating his departure from the mound.
The concern was palpable among the Dodgers' staff and fans alike. Manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation, saying, "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow." Roberts' caution underscores the seriousness with which the organization is approaching Ryan's condition.
This development is particularly disheartening given Ryan's recent return to the team. He had spent the first two months of the season on the injured list due to a sore shoulder, making his current predicament even more frustrating. Now, Ryan is once again heading to the injured list and will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of his injury.
Ryan's performance prior to this latest setback had been impressive. With a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year, he was quickly emerging as a reliable asset for the Dodgers. His progress hadn't gone unnoticed; Baseball America ranked him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
The Dodgers, however, have had a tumultuous season with their starting rotation. Ryan's exit marks the 17th different starting pitcher the team has utilized this season—a testament to the ongoing struggles within their pitching staff. Earlier in the season, Bobby Miller also faced time off due to shoulder inflammation. Since returning, Miller hasn't found his footing, struggling with an 8.07 ERA in seven major league starts before being demoted to Triple-A. In Triple-A, Miller's performance remains lackluster, with a 5.82 ERA, almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers' pitching woes are compounding at a critical time in the season. Despite holding a 68-49 record, they've only managed a 17-18 performance over their last 35 games. This inconsistency has significantly shrunk their NL West lead from 8.5 games on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games.
Ryan joined the Dodgers' organization in March 2022 through a minor trade with the San Diego Padres, which saw utility man Matt Beaty head the other way. Since his arrival, he has shown potential, but his journey has been marred by injuries.
Manager Dave Roberts' concern was evident as he reflected on the situation. "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting," he remarked. The forearm, often a sensitive area for pitchers, can sometimes signal more severe underlying issues, necessitating a cautious approach moving forward.
As the Dodgers await further news on Ryan’s condition, they must brace for the continued struggle without key pitchers. The immediate focus will be on how to patch up the rotation and maintain their standing in the competitive NL West. The uncertainty surrounding Ryan's and Miller's recoveries adds another layer of complexity to their strategies.
The Dodgers' resilience will be tested as they navigate these challenges, seeking to rally behind their remaining healthy pitchers while hoping for favorable outcomes in the injury assessments. The team's ability to manage this period of adversity could very well define their season's trajectory.