The Los Angeles Dodgers have been dealt yet another setback to their already taxed rotation. On Saturday night, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness. The discomfort initially surfaced in the third inning, and though Ryan attempted to ease the pain with a massage gun between innings, it persisted until he was forced to leave the mound in the fifth inning.
The severity of Ryan's condition was confirmed shortly after. Tests revealed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, requiring Tommy John surgery. This development means Ryan's 2024 season is over before it truly began, and he will most likely miss the majority, if not all, of the 2025 season as well.
Ryan's loss is particularly bitter for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the promising rookie. After a delayed debut earlier this year due to a sore shoulder, Ryan's brief tenure on the mound made a positive impression. Baseball America noted that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," reflecting the potential the organization saw in him.
This season has been a challenging one for the Dodgers' pitching staff. Before Ryan, Bobby Miller also missed significant time due to shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller struggled, recording a 8.07 ERA over seven big-league starts, which eventually led to his demotion. In five starts at Triple-A, Miller posted a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17), indicating ongoing difficulties.
The Dodgers have been forced to use an extraordinary number of starting pitchers this season, deploying 17 different arms—the most in baseball. The latest adjustment sees right-handed pitcher Landon Knack being called up to replace Ryan.
As it stands, the Dodgers hold an impressive 70-49 record, the best in the National League. The Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres are trailing by 3 1/2 games. Despite the impressive record, Manager Dave Roberts and his staff are now faced with the critical task of assembling a reliable rotation for the postseason.
Preserving the health of the remaining pitchers is now a top priority. The Dodgers will be focused on meticulously managing innings to keep their arms in top condition for the remainder of the season and into the playoffs. The road ahead will require strategic decisions to maintain their dominant position in the standings.
Manager Dave Roberts, well aware of the challenges ahead, must balance the dual objectives of remaining competitive while ensuring his players' longevity. At this juncture, the Dodgers cannot afford further injuries if they hope to secure their lead in the National League and make a deep postseason run.