The Los Angeles Dodgers' ongoing pitching struggles have taken another hit as rookie right-hander River Ryan's promising season has been cut short due to injury. Ryan, who has been a bright spot in the Dodgers' rotation, was sidelined after experiencing forearm tightness in his start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.
Forearm Tightness Ends Ryan's Season
Ryan’s outing against the Pirates barely lasted 4 2/3 innings before he had to be pulled from the game due to discomfort in his forearm. The rookie, who joined the Dodgers from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for Matt Beaty in March 2022, posted an impressive 1.33 ERA across his four starts this season. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, Ryan will not be able to build on his early success, as his season has come to an abrupt end. Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news, stating, "Ryan's season is officially over."
Adding to an Already Heavy Injury List
This injury comes as another blow to a Dodgers team already riddled with pitching problems. Ryan is the latest addition to a long list of injured starters, exemplifying the team's ongoing struggle to maintain a healthy rotation. Early in the game against the Pirates, Ryan first felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning and even resorted to using a massage gun between innings to manage the pain. This effort proved futile as the tightness eventually forced him out of the game.
Earlier this season, Ryan already had to contend with a sore shoulder that kept him off the mound for the first two months. His absence adds to a season where the Dodgers have had to utilize an astounding 17 different starting pitchers, the most in the league.
Other Pitching Woes
Bobby Miller is another example of a Dodgers' pitcher facing a tough year. Miller, who lost two months to shoulder inflammation earlier this season, has not found success on the mound. With an 8.07 ERA over seven big-league starts, coupled with a 5.82 ERA in Triple-A and a nearly even count of walks to strikeouts, his struggles have further compounded the Dodgers' pitching concerns.
Dodgers Seek Stability in Rotation
In a move to cover the gap left by Ryan, Landon Knack has been called up to fill his roster spot. The Dodgers, notorious for managing their injuries and roster spots with intricate precision, will look to Knack to provide some much-needed stability to their rotation. Yet, the constant rotation of pitchers has undoubtedly taken its toll.
Despite these adversities, the Dodgers have maintained a 68-49 record, holding the second-best record in the National League. However, their recent performance has wavered, going 17-18 in their last 35 games. This slump has seen their NL West lead shrink dramatically, from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games.
Looking Ahead
The Dodgers' immediate focus remains securing their position in the playoffs, amidst challenges that appear almost insurmountable. Securing wins in the coming weeks will be critical for the Dodgers, who will need their remaining rotation to step up and deliver consistently.
As Los Angeles continues to grapple with its pitching woes, the resilience of the team's makeshift rotation will be put to the test. While the loss of River Ryan is a significant setback, the Dodgers' depth and ability to adapt will be crucial as they navigate the rest of the season.