Dodgers' Pitching Struggles Deepened by Ryan's Season-Ending Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching tribulations have taken another hit with the news that rookie right-hander River Ryan’s season has come to an early conclusion. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed, "Ryan's season is officially over." This development adds to the growing list of pitching concerns that have plagued the Dodgers throughout the current campaign.
Ryan's Early Exit
Ryan, who was already proving to be a promising asset for the Dodgers, had his outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates cut short last Saturday night after experiencing forearm tightness. The discomfort first surfaced in the third inning, and despite using a massage gun between innings to cope with the pain, he had to leave the game after just 4 2/3 innings.
In his brief stint this season, Ryan had demonstrated considerable potential. Acquired from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for Matt Beaty in March 2022, Ryan posted an impressive 1.33 ERA across his four starts, garnering recognition as the Dodgers’ No. 10 prospect by Baseball America.
Continuing Injury Woes
The Dodgers have faced a relentless string of injuries among their pitchers. Ryan’s forearm issue follows his earlier struggle with a sore shoulder, which caused him to miss the first two months of the season. Yet, he is not the only Dodger pitcher contending with health setbacks.
Bobby Miller's season has also been disrupted by shoulder inflammation, leading to a two-month absence. Since returning, Miller has struggled to find his rhythm, holding an 8.07 ERA over seven major league starts. His time in Triple-A hasn’t been much better, as he registered a 5.82 ERA with an almost even count of walks to strikeouts.
Rotating Pitching Staff
These injuries have forced the Dodgers to frequently shuffle their starting rotations. To date, the team has utilized 17 different starting pitchers this season, the highest number in the league. The continuous changes have undoubtedly impacted the team’s stability and performance on the mound.
With Ryan sidelined, the Dodgers have called up Landon Knack to fill his spot on the roster. Knack’s promotion underscores the constant adjustments the team has had to make as they navigate an injury-riddled season.
Challenging Stretch Run
The Dodgers’ recent performance reflects the toll these pitching problems have taken. With a 68-49 record, they currently hold the second-best mark in the National League. However, their recent stretch has been less reassuring, as they’ve gone 17-18 in their last 35 games. This dip in form has caused their NL West lead to narrow from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games.
As the Dodgers strive to secure their position in the playoffs, concerns about their pitching staff's health loom large. How they address these issues in the coming weeks will be pivotal to maintaining their postseason aspirations. The addition of Landon Knack and the team's overall adaptability in the face of adversity will be critical to their success moving forward.
The Dodgers' resilience will undoubtedly be tested as they push toward the season's final stretch, with the hope that stability and some favorable health news may just come in time to bolster their playoff run. For now, the focus remains on making the necessary adjustments and finding ways to win despite the ongoing pitching challenges.