Another blow has struck the Los Angeles Dodgers as they contend with the loss of yet another starting pitcher due to injury. Rookie right-hander River Ryan, who has been an emerging talent this season, was forced to exit Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates prematurely.
Ryan left the mound after delivering 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches, citing forearm tightness as the cause. The discomfort first surfaced in the third inning and, despite attempts to alleviate the issue with a massage gun between innings, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, ultimately leading to his departure. "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," said Manager Dave Roberts, encapsulating the team's cautious optimism.
Mounting Injuries and Concerns
Ryan's injury is another chapter in what has been a turbulent season for the Dodgers' pitching staff. The rookie had just recently returned to the rotation after missing the first two months with a sore shoulder. Now, he will be placed on the injured list again and will undergo further testing on Sunday to assess the severity of his forearm issue.
This latest setback brings the number of different starting pitchers used by the Dodgers to 17 this season. The team's depth has been tested repeatedly, with pitchers like Bobby Miller also facing their share of challenges. Miller, who was sidelined for two months due to shoulder inflammation, struggled upon his return, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A hasn't been much better, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers acquired Ryan in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022. Since joining the team, Ryan has been a standout, boasting a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year. Baseball America recognized his potential, ranking him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update. Such accolades underline the significance of his presence in the team's plans, making his latest injury all the more concerning.
Stumbling in the Standings
As the injuries mount, so too do the challenges in the standings. The Dodgers, who currently hold a 68-49 record, have found themselves in a precarious position. Over their last 35 games, the team posted a less-than-stellar 17-18 record. This inconsistency has seen their lead in the NL West shrink dramatically from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games. The pressure is undoubtedly mounting as the season progresses.
Manager Dave Roberts voiced the anxiety surrounding Ryan’s injury, saying, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting." The potential loss of Ryan comes at a particularly critical juncture, where every game has significant implications for the Dodgers' postseason aspirations.
The Dodgers’ ability to navigate these turbulent waters will test not only their depth but also their resilience. The hope remains that forthcoming tests will bring favorable news regarding Ryan’s condition, allowing him to rejoin a rotation that has been beleaguered but remains a cornerstone of the team's success.
In the high-stakes environment of Major League Baseball, the unforgiving nature of the sport rarely offers reprieves. The Dodgers, a team with aspirations of championship glory, must now rally together, patch up their rotation, and find a way to reclaim their dominance in the NL West.