Dodgers Face Another Setback With River Ryan's Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been dealt another tough blow as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early, due to forearm tightness. This event marks another chapter in the Dodgers' ongoing struggle with injuries, particularly amongst their starting pitchers.
Ryan's departure came after he pitched 4 2/3 innings and threw 56 pitches. Initially, the discomfort in his forearm began during the third inning, but he managed to power through with the aid of a massage gun between innings. Nevertheless, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, forcing him to leave the game.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed a mix of hope and concern following Ryan's early exit. "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 said. He continued, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Ryan will be placed on the injured list and is scheduled for further testing on Sunday to determine the extent of his injury. This setback is particularly frustrating for the rookie, who had only recently returned after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder. His performance in the major leagues had been promising, boasting a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year.
The Dodgers, now 68-49, have had a challenging season with their pitching lineup. They've utilized 17 different starting pitchers, a fact that underscores their volatility and misfortune on the mound. Ryan's injury adds to this turbulent mix, which already includes Bobby Miller, another promising pitcher who struggled with shoulder inflammation and is currently facing performance challenges. Miller, who carries an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts, was demoted due to inconsistent play. In Triple-A, he hasn't fared much better, posting a 5.82 ERA with nearly equal numbers of walks (16) and strikeouts (17) over five starts.
Ryan's journey to the Dodgers began in March 2022 when he was acquired in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty. Since then, his rapid rise through the ranks saw him recognized by Baseball America as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
However, the strain on the Dodgers' pitching staff is mirrored by their recent performance. Though they hold a solid record, their past 35 games have been underwhelming, going 17-18 and seeing their NL West lead shrink from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games. This downward trend spotlights the critical importance of maintaining a healthy and effective pitching rotation for the remainder of the season.
As the Dodgers await further news on Ryan's condition, the team must prepare for yet another adjustment to their rotation. The reliance on young and inexperienced arms has become a staple of their season, and it remains to be seen how much longer they can sustain their position without a consistent and sturdy starting lineup.
For now, all eyes will be on the outcome of Ryan's tests. The team, its management, and fans alike can only hope that this promising rookie’s forearm tightness is not indicative of a more severe injury that could sideline him for an extended period. The Dodgers' ability to overcome these constant injuries will be crucial as they strive to maintain their lead in the competitive NL West.