The Los Angeles Dodgers have been dealt yet another blow in a season riddled with injuries to their starting rotation. The latest setback occurred during Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates when rookie right-hander River Ryan was forced to exit early due to forearm tightness.
Ryan, who had recently made a comeback after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder, left the mound after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches. The discomfort first appeared in the third inning, necessitating the use of a massage gun between innings in an attempt to alleviate the tightness. Unfortunately, the symptoms returned in the fifth inning, ultimately leading to Ryan's premature departure.
Manager Dave Roberts expressed a mixture of caution and concern regarding Ryan's injury. "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 stated, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the young pitcher's condition. The forearm issue is particularly worrying, as Roberts noted, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Ryan is slated to be placed on the injured list and will undergo further testing on Sunday to determine the extent of his injury. This unfortunate turn of events marks another chapter in what has been a tumultuous season for the Dodgers' pitching staff. The team has already utilized 17 different starting pitchers this year, a testament to their ongoing struggles with maintaining a healthy rotation.
Bobby Miller, another pitcher who had a rocky season, serves as a cautionary tale. Miller missed two months due to shoulder inflammation and, upon his return, recorded an 8.07 ERA across seven major-league starts before being demoted. His stint in Triple-A has not fared much better, posting a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts. This underscores the fragile nature of pitchers recovering from injuries and the challenges that come with reestablishing form and consistency.
Ryan joined the Dodgers in March 2022 from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for utility man Matt Beaty. Despite the initial setbacks, his performance this season had been a beacon of hope for the Dodgers, with a commendable 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts. Baseball America even recognized him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update, emphasizing his potential to be a key component of the team's future.
The Dodgers, boasting a 68-49 record, have seen their grip on the NL West lead diminish over the past few weeks. They have gone 17-18 in their last 35 games, causing their division lead to shrink from 8.5 games on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games. The continued instability within their pitching staff poses an ongoing threat to their aspirations for postseason success.
As the Dodgers navigate these turbulent waters, the focus remains on the health and recovery of their players. The results of Ryan's tests on Sunday will be eagerly awaited, as the team hopes for favorable news amidst a season of relentless challenges.
Injuries and performance inconsistencies have tested the Dodgers' depth and resilience this year. With each setback, the team has been forced to adapt and rely on a revolving door of pitchers to fill the void. The road ahead remains uncertain, and the health of their players, particularly promising talents like River Ryan, will be critical in their quest to regain their winning form.