Injury Woes Deepen for Dodgers as Ryan Faces Season-Ending Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been dealt another significant blow to their already beleaguered rotation. Rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing forearm tightness, a discomfort that first manifested in the third inning. Despite using a massage gun to alleviate some of the pain between innings, the tightness returned by the fifth inning, forcing Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove Ryan from the game.
Subsequent tests confirmed the worst for Ryan: a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, which requires Tommy John surgery. This diagnosis not only ends his 2024 season but also likely sidelines him for most, if not all, of 2025. It’s a heart-wrenching scenario for both the Dodgers and the rookie pitcher, who had just made his debut earlier this year.
Dodgers Management Scrambles
The injury to Ryan compounds an already challenging season for the Dodgers' rotation. Bobby Miller, another promising arm, missed significant time with shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller struggled mightily, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before eventually being demoted to Triple-A. His performance there was hardly better, posting a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
With Ryan joining a long list of injured pitchers, the Dodgers have now used 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in baseball. To fill the void left by Ryan, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. The relentless churn of pitchers has been a test for Manager Dave Roberts and his staff, who now face the daunting task of piecing together a reliable rotation for the postseason.
Dodgers’ Season at a Crossroads
Despite the setbacks, the Dodgers find themselves in a favorable position in the standings. Holding a record of 70-49, they possess the best record in the National League, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by 3 1/2 games. However, the injuries and inconsistencies in the roster pose a serious threat to their long-term ambitions.
The Dodgers aim to maintain their lead by focusing on preserving the health of their remaining pitchers and managing innings carefully. With an eye on October, Roberts must strategize meticulously to ensure his team’s durability through the rigorous demands of the postseason. The loss of Ryan’s arm, described by Baseball America as having "the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," is undoubtedly a significant blow.
High Hopes Turned to Desperation
The Dodgers had high hopes for River Ryan, especially after he made a promising debut earlier this year. Unfortunately, his journey has been riddled with setbacks. Ryan missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, and just when it seemed he was finding his stride, the forearm injury struck. Now, with the news of his torn UCL, those high hopes have turned into a desperate scramble to find stability in the rotation.
For a team that has shown resilience and tenacity throughout the season, the ability to adapt to these challenges will be crucial. Dodge fans are accustomed to seeing their team overcome adversities, but the stakes are higher than ever. Every decision, every bullpen session, and every pitch will be under scrutiny as the Dodgers seek to preserve their lead and make a deep postseason run.
Looking Ahead
As the regular season winds down, the Dodgers must navigate through this critical juncture with caution and precision. The focus will be on keeping their remaining starters healthy and effective, while also integrating new call-ups like Landon Knack into the rotation seamlessly. The goal is clear: maintain their position at the top of the National League standings and prepare for a challenging postseason.
Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff face a herculean task ahead, but if history is any indicator, the Dodgers will fight to remain contenders. With a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent, they have the ingredients to overcome this latest setback. The road to recovery begins now, and the baseball world will be watching closely.