The Los Angeles Dodgers have found themselves grappling with yet another setback in their pitching rotation. On Saturday night, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates prematurely, adding to the growing list of injured pitchers for the Dodgers this season.
Ryan left the mound after throwing 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches, citing forearm tightness as the cause of his early departure. The 24-year-old first felt discomfort during the third inning but attempted to alleviate the issue with a massage gun between innings. Unfortunately, the tightness re-emerged in the fifth inning, forcing the rookie to call it a night.
A Season of Struggles
Ryan's early exit is particularly concerning given his recent return to the mound. He had only just come back after missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. His injury woes don't stand alone; they are part of a larger pattern affecting the Dodgers' pitching staff. The team has seen a total of 17 different starting pitchers take the mound this season, a clear indicator of the toll injuries have taken.
Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating, "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow." He added, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
The Injured List Grows
The Dodgers' injury list this season is extensive, and Ryan's addition only complicates things further. Fellow pitcher Bobby Miller also missed two months with shoulder inflammation earlier in the year. While Miller showed promise in the major leagues, posting an 8.07 ERA over seven starts, he struggled upon being demoted to Triple-A, where he accumulated a 5.82 ERA and almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) over five starts.
Ryan's Promising Start
Despite the challenges, River Ryan has demonstrated his potential in his brief major league career. Acquired in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility player Matt Beaty in March 2022, Ryan has thrived on the mound when healthy. In the four MLB starts he has managed this year, Ryan boasts an impressive 1.33 ERA. His talent has not gone unnoticed; Baseball America listed him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
The Bigger Picture
The Dodgers, who currently hold a 68-49 record, have not had a smooth ride in recent weeks. They have gone 17-18 over their last 35 games, seeing their lead in the NL West shrink from 8.5 games on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games. The team's struggles underscore the significance of their pitching rotation's health.
As Ryan prepares to undergo further testing and be placed on the injured list, the Dodgers' management and fans alike are holding their breath for positive news. With the playoff race heating up, the importance of a healthy and effective pitching staff cannot be overstated. For now, all eyes will be on River Ryan's diagnostics, hoping for the best while preparing for the challenges that may lie ahead.