In a significant blow to the Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching rotation, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness, another setback for a team that has struggled to keep its starters healthy.
Ryan's departure came after just 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches. His early exit was a precautionary measure after he felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. Despite loosening up with a massage gun between innings, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, forcing him to leave the game. Ryan is scheduled to undergo further testing on Sunday and will be placed on the injured list.
"Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said post-game. "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Ryan's injury is particularly concerning given his recent history. He had just returned to the lineup after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder. This latest issue compounds the Dodgers' ongoing woes in their pitching staff, which has seen 17 different starters take the mound this season due to various injuries.
Pitching Woes
Among the roster of pitchers, Bobby Miller's struggles are also notable. Miller missed two months with shoulder inflammation and since returning, has posted an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts before being demoted to Triple-A. Even in Triple-A, his performance has not significantly improved, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers' quest for consistent and reliable starters has been a season-long challenge. They have been forced to continually shuffle their lineup due to these persistent injuries, which has undeniably impacted their consistency on the field.
Ryan's Season So Far
River Ryan joined the Dodgers in March 2022 through a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty. Despite the current setback, Ryan has shown considerable promise in his short tenure. With a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year, his performance has been one of the few bright spots on the Dodgers' pitching roster. His potential was recognized by Baseball America, naming him the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
Team Performance
The Dodgers, though still showcasing a respectable 68-49 record, have been inconsistent recently, going 17-18 over their last 35 games. The team, which once held an 8.5-game lead in the NL West as of July 23, has seen that margin dwindle to just 2.5 games. The absence of a steady starting rotation plays a significant role in these fluctuating performances.
The team's ability to endure these recurring injuries and maintain their position in the standings speaks to their depth and resilience. However, the mounting pressure from a tightening division race adds urgency to the need for reliable pitching.
Looking Ahead
As the Dodgers look forward to further testing on Ryan and await a clearer diagnosis, the hope is for a swift recovery to bolster their stumbling rotation. "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see," reiterated Roberts, emphasizing the team's cautious approach.
Should Ryan's injury prove significant, the Dodgers will once again find themselves searching for answers in a season riddled with pitching uncertainties. For now, all eyes will be on Sunday's test results as the team braces for more potential reconfigurations to their starting lineup.
In a season defined by injuries and constant adjustments, the Dodgers' resilience will continue to be tested while they seek to make a deep postseason run. The health of their pitching staff remains a pivotal factor in their ongoing quest for consistency and success.