The Los Angeles Dodgers have hit yet another bump in their pitching roster as rookie right-hander River Ryan left Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early due to forearm tightness. This marks another twist in what has been a tumultuous season for the Dodgers' pitching staff.
Ryan exited during the fifth inning after throwing 56 pitches, exiting the mound after 4 2/3 innings. The discomfort in his forearm initially surfaced during the third inning of the game. Between innings, he attempted to alleviate the tightness with the help of a massage gun. Unfortunately, the symptoms reappeared by the fifth inning, forcing him to leave the game prematurely.
Following the game, Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts projected an air of cautious optimism. "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," Roberts said. Yet, his concern was palpable as he added, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Ryan is set to be placed on the injured list and will undergo further testing on Sunday. This injury setback comes on the heels of Ryan’s recent return to action after missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder.
Another Chapter in a Season of Struggles
Ryan's injury is not isolated; it's part of a broader pattern of challenges that have plagued the Dodgers' pitching roster this year. To date, the team has cycled through 17 different starting pitchers. This carousel of arms has undoubtedly tested the team’s depth and resiliency.
Among these pitchers, Bobby Miller stands out as another case of injury and inconsistency. Miller, who missed two months because of shoulder inflammation, struggled upon his return. In his seven major-league starts, Miller posted a concerning 8.07 ERA. His difficulties extended into the minors where, in Triple-A, he recorded a 5.82 ERA, nearly matching his strikeout total (17) with walks (16) over five starts.
Ryan's Promising Start
Despite the broader struggles within the pitching ranks, River Ryan’s brief stint in the majors has been a silver lining. Since joining the Dodgers in March 2022 from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade that sent utility man Matt Beaty the other way, Ryan has displayed considerable promise. In his four MLB starts this year, he has impressed with a 1.33 ERA.
His potential hasn't gone unnoticed, with Baseball America recently recognizing him as the No. 10 prospect within the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
High Stakes in the NL West
Ryan's untimely departure adds another layer of complexity as the Dodgers strive to maintain their position in the competitive NL West. Despite holding a respectable 68-49 record, the team has experienced a rough stretch, going 17-18 over their last 35 games. This has caused their division lead to dwindle from a more comfortable 8.5 games on July 23 to a tenuous 2.5 games.
For the Dodgers, every game and every arm counts as they seek to solidify their standing and gear up for a potential postseason run. Ryan's contributions were seen as particularly valuable, especially given the rotation's instability. The team and fans alike will be closely monitoring the results of his upcoming tests, hoping for the best while preparing for what may be another chapter in an already challenging season.
As the Dodgers navigate these obstacles, the resilience of the remaining roster will be crucial. Time will tell how they manage this latest adversity and if Ryan can make another impactful return later in the season.