Injury Woes Continue for Dodgers as River Ryan Requires Tommy John Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been dealt yet another blow to their already beleaguered rotation. In Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited the game after experiencing forearm tightness. The discomfort began in the third inning and forced Ryan off the mound by the fifth inning, leading to his removal from the game by Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts.
Ryan, who had used a massage gun to alleviate the pain between innings, faced immediate medical scrutiny. The following day, tests confirmed the worst: a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. This development will not only conclude Ryan's 2024 season but also likely sideline him for a significant portion, if not all, of the 2025 season.
The Dodgers had high hopes for the rookie, who made his debut earlier this year. Ryan had already missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. His troubles appear to be a microcosm of the Dodgers' pitching crisis this season, as the team struggles to maintain a healthy rotation.
Veteran pitcher Bobby Miller also missed a large chunk of the season with shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller recorded an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted to Triple-A, where his performance did not notably improve. His stint in Triple-A included a 5.82 ERA, with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
To make matters worse, the Dodgers have had to use an astonishing 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in Major League Baseball. This constant turnover has put significant pressure on the coaching staff to piece together a viable rotation, particularly as the postseason looms.
In Ryan's absence, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. The team currently holds a record of 70-49, the best in the National League, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by 3 1/2 games. Despite their successful standing, the Dodgers face the critical task of maintaining their position while managing the health of their remaining arms.
Manager Dave Roberts and his staff are now tasked with balancing the workload for the remaining pitchers to ensure a fresh and effective bullpen for the postseason. The objective remains clear: preserve the health of their pitching staff while managing innings carefully.
Baseball America once noted that Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," and the Dodgers had indeed hoped he would fulfill that potential. His recent injury is a poignant reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the ever-present risk of injury that can derail even the most promising careers.
As the Dodgers head into the final stretch of the season, their strategy will likely focus on leveraging their pitching depth while monitoring the workload of each pitcher closely. The road ahead is undoubtedly challenging, but with their current standing and a roster filled with potential, the Dodgers remain in a strong position to adapt and compete at the highest level.
Although Ryan's injury is a significant setback, the Dodgers' ability to pivot and adjust will be crucial in determining their postseason success. With seasoned professionals managing the team, the Dodgers are poised to navigate these adversities, aiming to maintain their lead in the National League and make a deep run in the playoffs.