Another Blow to Dodgers’ Rotation as River Ryan Heads for Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers' rotation woes deepened Saturday night as rookie pitcher River Ryan exited the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with forearm tightness, an ailment that ultimately led to a dire diagnosis. The right-hander was forced off the mound in the fifth inning by Manager Dave Roberts after the discomfort that first appeared in the third inning returned with a vengeance. Using a massage gun between innings proved to be only a temporary salve for Ryan.
By the following day, tests confirmed the worst: a torn UCL requiring Tommy John surgery, effectively ending Ryan’s 2024 season and casting doubt on his availability for the 2025 season. This marks a severe setback for the Dodgers, who had high hopes for the promising rookie. River Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year after missing the initial two months of the season due to a sore shoulder, seemed on the path to becoming a staple in the team’s rotation.
"He has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," remarked Baseball America, reflecting the high expectations pinned on the young right-hander. But with Ryan sidelined, the Dodgers are scrambling to fill yet another gap in their beleaguered pitching roster.
The Dodgers' injury troubles are not just limited to Ryan. Fellow pitcher Bobby Miller also spent significant time off the mound this season due to shoulder inflammation. Upon his return, Miller struggled significantly, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts. His form didn't improve much in Triple-A, where he had a 5.82 ERA, with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in just five starts. Miller's struggles and demotion are emblematic of a season marred by instability in the rotation.
The season has seen the Dodgers utilizing 17 different starting pitchers, the most in baseball. Despite the constant flux, the team has been performing exceptionally well. With a record of 70-49, they currently hold the best record in the National League, outpacing the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres by 3 1/2 games. Yet, the attrition in the rotation raises concerns as the postseason approaches.
In an immediate response to Ryan’s injury, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack, hoping he can provide some stability. Manager Dave Roberts and his staff now face the intricate task of piecing together a coherent rotation strategy as the team heads into the critical stretch of the season. The focus will be on preserving the health of the remaining arms and managing innings meticulously to avoid further injuries.
This season, the Dodgers' depth and adaptability have been tested like never before. As they strive to maintain their dominant position in the National League standings, the resilience of the team’s pitching staff will be under the microscope. Every arm, from high-profile starters to bullpen stopgaps, must shoulder the weight of sustaining the Dodgers’ playoff ambitions.
While the immediate future for Ryan looks grim, the Dodgers’ mid to long-term prospects hinge on how effectively they manage their current resources. Can Landon Knack rise to the occasion? Will Bobby Miller find the form that once made him a prospect to watch? These are the pressing questions as the Dodgers seek to fortify their rotation and keep their championship hopes alive.
For now, Dodgers fans are left to wonder what could have been for River Ryan, whose early flashes were promising. As the team marches on, each game will serve as a testament to their tenacity and resourcefulness in the face of relentless adversity.