Dodgers' Injury Woes Deepen as River Ryan Exits with Forearm Tightness
The Los Angeles Dodgers' challenging season continues to face hurdles, with another starting pitcher heading to the injured list. This latest blow involves rookie right-hander River Ryan, who exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates prematurely due to forearm tightness.
Ryan, who had only recently returned to the mound after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder, departed after pitching 4 2/3 innings and throwing 56 pitches. He first experienced discomfort during the third inning but attempted to alleviate the issue with a massage gun between innings. Unfortunately, the tightness reappeared in the fifth inning, prompting his early exit.
"Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," commented Dodgers' Manager Dave Roberts. Referring to Ryan's concerning forearm tightness, Roberts added, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Ryan's departure marks yet another setback for the Dodgers' pitching staff, which has already seen significant disruption this season. Since April, the team has utilized 17 different starting pitchers, a testament to the relentless injury challenges they have faced. Ryan's recent return was seen as a beacon of hope amid these issues, making his latest injury all the more disheartening for the team.
This season, Ryan has shown considerable promise, boasting a 1.33 ERA across his four MLB starts. His performance earned him recognition as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system by Baseball America in their midseason update. The Dodgers acquired Ryan in a minor trade with the San Diego Padres in March 2022, dealing utility man Matt Beaty to bring the rookie to Los Angeles.
Ryan isn't the only pitcher to have had a tumultuous season. Fellow pitcher Bobby Miller also missed two months earlier in the year due to shoulder inflammation. Unfortunately, Miller's return to the mound has been less than stellar, with an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts before being demoted. In Triple-A, his struggles continued, posting a 5.82 ERA with strikingly similar walks (16) to strikeouts (17) over five starts.
The recent spate of injuries and inconsistent performances have undeniably tested the Dodgers' depth and resilience. Despite holding a 68-49 record, the team's grip on the NL West lead has become tenuous. Their once-comfortable 8.5-game lead on July 23 has now shrunk to just 2.5 games, compounded by their 17-18 record over the past 35 games. This adversity places even greater pressure on their ability to maintain their position in the standings as the season progresses.
The Dodgers' search for stability and consistency continues, with their hopes pinned on the health and performance of their pitchers. Ryan's upcoming tests and evaluation will be crucial in determining the extent of his injury and the timeline for his potential return. The team and its fans can only watch and wait, hoping for positive news that can restore some measure of stability to their beleaguered pitching rotation.
As the Dodgers navigate these turbulent waters, their resilience and ability to adapt will be tested like never before. The team’s management, coaching staff, and players are keenly aware of the challenges ahead and are working tirelessly to steer the ship through this storm and toward the postseason berth they have their sights set on.