In a season already marked by adversity, the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching rotation has taken another significant hit. Rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness, adding to the team's mounting concerns.
Ryan's bout of discomfort began in the third inning, causing him to turn to a massage gun between innings in an attempt to manage the pain. However, by the fifth inning, the tightness had intensified, prompting Manager Dave Roberts to make the tough decision to pull him off the mound. Subsequent tests confirmed the worst: a torn UCL in Ryan’s throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery. This injury spells the end of Ryan’s 2024 season and will likely keep him sidelined for most, if not all, of 2025.
Ryan was seen as a promising addition to the Dodgers' rotation, having made his debut earlier this year amid high expectations. Unfortunately, his season has been plagued by injuries, including a sore shoulder that kept him out for the first two months. The Dodgers had hoped Ryan could stabilize their beleaguered rotation, especially after other setbacks within the pitching staff.
Struggles of Bobby Miller
Bobby Miller, another key pitcher, has also faced significant challenges this season. Miller, who dealt with shoulder inflammation, struggled upon his return, managing an 8.07 ERA across seven big-league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A wasn't much better, as he recorded a 5.82 ERA with almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts. Miller’s difficulties have compounded the Dodgers' rotation issues, pushing the management to explore various options.
In fact, the Dodgers have now used 17 different starting pitchers this season, the most in baseball. This constant shuffle underscores the instability and ongoing struggle to find a reliable starting rotation. However, the team’s overall performance has not suffered drastically as they hold a 70-49 record, the best in the National League, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by 3 1/2 games.
Next Man Up
In response to Ryan's injury, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. This move is part of the management's ongoing efforts to piece together a postseason rotation. The team's strategy will involve not only filling the immediate gaps but also ensuring the health of their remaining arms by managing innings carefully. This delicate balancing act will be crucial as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings.
Despite the setbacks, Dodgers fans have reasons to remain optimistic. Even with the revolving door of pitchers, the team continues to compete at a high level. Manager Dave Roberts and his staff have demonstrated an ability to adapt and persevere through adversity. As the playoffs approach, the focus will undoubtedly be on getting the most out of the current roster while preparing for potential returns and reinforcements.
The Dodgers' pitching woes are emblematic of the larger challenges facing modern baseball teams in managing pitcher health and performance over a grueling season. While the immediate future may seem uncertain, the organization’s depth and managerial acumen offer a blueprint for navigating these turbulent times. Baseball America’s assessment that River Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter" speaks to the potential that remains, even amid the current setbacks.
As the season progresses, the Dodgers will need every bit of that potential to come to fruition. With a mix of veteran leadership and youthful promise, there’s hope for a rotation that can carry the team deep into October. For now, every game and every inning will be a test of resilience and resourcefulness for the Dodgers, a team well-versed in turning challenges into opportunities.