The Los Angeles Dodgers faced yet another setback in their already injury-riddled rotation on Saturday night. In their game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited in the fifth inning due to forearm tightness, adding to the team's growing list of pitching woes.
Ryan first experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. Between innings, he used a massage gun to manage the pain, but the tightness returned by the fifth inning, leading to his removal from the game by Manager Dave Roberts. The immediate diagnosis resulted in Ryan being placed on the injured list the following day, with tests confirming a torn UCL in his throwing elbow. This injury necessitates Tommy John surgery, effectively ending Ryan's 2024 season and potentially sidelining him for most, if not all, of 2025.
Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, had already faced challenges this season. He missed the first two months due to a sore shoulder, but despite these setbacks, the Dodgers had high hopes for the rookie. Baseball America noted that Ryan "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," making this injury a significant blow to the team's future plans.
He is not the only Dodgers player to have grappled with injuries this season. Bobby Miller, another promising pitcher, also missed considerable time with shoulder inflammation. Miller struggled upon his return, posting an 8.07 ERA across seven major-league starts before being demoted. In Triple-A, his performance fared little better, recording a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts. This underscores the broader challenges facing the Dodgers' pitching staff.
In response to these setbacks, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack to fill the void left by Ryan. Despite these hurdles, the Dodgers maintain an impressive record of 70-49 and hold the best record in the National League. They are currently 3 1/2 games ahead of the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres.
Struggles with Rotation Depth
The Dodgers have faced an unenviable task this season, having used 17 different starting pitchers—the most in Major League Baseball. As Manager Dave Roberts and his staff work to assemble a reliable rotation for the postseason, managing the health and innings of their remaining arms becomes crucial. The aim is not just to preserve their top position in the National League standings but to ensure their pitchers are in optimal condition come playoff time.
The challenge now is to piece together a rotation capable of competing at the highest level when it matters most. The loss of Ryan, who showed promise as a mid-rotation starter, adds to the complexity of this task. With Miller's underwhelming performance and frequent injuries, the Dodgers' pitching future is clouded with uncertainty.
One silver lining for the Dodgers is their remaining offensive and defensive strengths, which have contributed to their leading position. However, the tight races within their division add pressure to maintain consistency on the mound. The calling up of Landon Knack signifies the depth of talent in the Dodgers' farm system, but whether it can translate to consistent performances at the major-league level remains to be seen.
Outlook for the Postseason
As the Dodgers navigate these injuries, their strategy will likely focus on strategic rest and careful innings management for their pitchers. This approach aims to mitigate the risk of further injuries while maintaining competitive performance levels.
In this high-stakes environment, the resilience of the Dodgers' roster will be tested. The ability of new call-ups like Knack to step in and deliver under pressure will be critical. Additionally, the leadership of veterans and the tactical acumen of the coaching staff will be pivotal in steering the team through these turbulent times.
The Dodgers' commitment to maintaining their position at the top of the National League standings is evident. While injuries have challenged their rotation depth, the team's overall resilience and strategic planning offer a pathway to overcoming these hurdles. As the postseason approaches, the Dodgers' focus will remain on optimizing their rotation and preserving the health of their remaining pitchers, aiming to enter the playoffs in the strongest possible position.