The Los Angeles Dodgers' Rotation Takes Another Hit Amidst Promising Season
The Los Angeles Dodgers have once again been dealt a significant setback in their already struggling rotation. On Saturday night, rookie right-hander River Ryan was forced to exit the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness, adding to the list of hurdles the team has faced this season.
Ryan, who made his Major League debut earlier this year, began experiencing discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. Despite utilizing a massage gun between innings in an attempt to manage the pain, the tightness returned by the fifth inning. Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts made the decision to remove Ryan from the mound, visibly concerned about the young pitcher's condition.
The immediate aftermath of the injury was dire for the Dodgers. Ryan was placed on the injured list the following day, and subsequent tests revealed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his throwing elbow. The diagnosis necessitates Tommy John surgery, effectively ending Ryan's 2024 season and potentially sidelining him for most, if not all, of the 2025 season as well. The news is particularly disheartening for the team, as Ryan had shown promise and "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter" according to Baseball America.
Ryan's injury further exacerbates the Dodgers' rotation woes. Earlier this season, Bobby Miller also spent significant time on the injured list with shoulder inflammation. Miller, once hailed as a promising arm, has struggled to regain his form. In his seven starts after returning, he posted a staggering 8.07 ERA, leading to his demotion to Triple-A. Even at the lower level, his performance remained troubling, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers have now used 17 different starting pitchers this season, the highest number in Major League Baseball. This constant shuffle has put immense pressure on the team's management to assemble a reliable rotation, especially with the postseason on the horizon.
In response to Ryan's injury, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. While Knack brings fresh energy to the team, the focus now shifts to preserving the health of the remaining arms and managing inning counts carefully. The Dodgers boast a 70-49 record and currently hold the best record in the National League, a testament to their resilience despite the ongoing challenges.
The Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres are trailing the Dodgers by only 3 1/2 games, making every game crucial as the team aims to maintain its position at the top of the standings. Manager Dave Roberts and his staff now face the daunting task of piecing together a rotation that can sustain the Dodgers' momentum into the postseason.
The Dodgers' management is fully committed to preserving the health of their pitchers and ensuring the rotation can effectively support the team's playoff run. The road ahead is daunting, but the Dodgers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity. With a strong focus on strategic player management and the infusion of new talent, the team aims to navigate this challenging period and continue their pursuit of glory in the postseason.