The Los Angeles Dodgers' season took another hit on Saturday night as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited early from their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness.
A Tough Break for River Ryan
Ryan's night ended after just 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches. The 24-year-old first felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning but attempted to loosen up between innings using a massage gun. However, the tightness resurfaced in the fifth inning, forcing him to leave the mound prematurely. "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," Manager Dave Roberts said, reflecting the team's cautious optimism.
This latest setback is particularly unfortunate for Ryan, who had just recently returned after missing the first two months of the season with a shoulder issue. His performance thus far had been promising, boasting a 1.33 ERA in his four starts for the Dodgers. Ryan’s injury woes continue to challenge the Dodgers' pitching staff, already stretched thin this season.
A Season of Struggles for Dodgers' Pitching Staff
The Dodgers have relied on an extraordinary 17 different starting pitchers this season, underscoring the persistent injury challenges. Bobby Miller, another young pitcher, had missed two months due to shoulder inflammation earlier this year. His major-league outings have also raised concerns, with an 8.07 ERA in seven starts leading to his demotion. In Triple-A, Miller’s 5.82 ERA, combined with strikingly similar numbers of walks (16) and strikeouts (17) over five starts, reflects a turbulent season.
Ryan’s latest injury is a significant blow for the Dodgers, who acquired him in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres in March 2022, sending utility man Matt Beaty the other way. The rookie had started to live up to his potential, rightly recognized as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system by Baseball America in their midseason update.
The Broader Implications for the Dodgers
As the injury bug continues to plague the Dodgers' pitching depth, the team's performance has begun to suffer. Currently holding a 68-49 record, the Dodgers were 17-18 over their last 35 games. This slump has seen their lead in the NL West shrink from a comfortable 8.5 games on July 23 to a precarious 2.5 games.
The persistent pitcher injuries have forced the Dodgers to lean heavily on their roster depth, but the relentless churn has taken its toll. Manager Dave Roberts expressed the common concern when discussing the latest injury: "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it’s always disconcerting."
Looking Ahead
Ryan will undergo further testing on Sunday, which will provide more clarity on his condition and any necessary steps forward. The Dodgers remain hopeful that their rookie right-hander can recover swiftly, but they must also prepare for the possibility of another extended absence. The organization will have to weigh its options carefully to manage an already overburdened pitching staff while keeping their postseason aspirations alive.
For now, the Dodgers and their fans can only wait and hope for a positive update on River Ryan. In the high-stakes environment of Major League Baseball, every player’s health status can significantly impact a team’s trajectory, a reality the Dodgers know all too well this season.