The Los Angeles Dodgers have encountered another significant setback in their tumultuous season with the injury of rookie right-hander River Ryan. Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early due to forearm tightness after an impressive 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches.
Another Injury Blow
Ryan first noticed discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. Trying to alleviate it, he used a massage gun between innings, but the tightness resurfaced by the fifth inning, forcing him off the field. "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," Manager Dave Roberts expressed concern after the game. "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
This injury comes on the heels of Ryan's recent return to the mound after missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. Unfortunately, this time it appears more severe, as he is expected to be placed on the injured list and will undergo further testing on Sunday.
Dodgers’ Pitching Woes
Ryan's injury adds to an already extensive list of pitching problems for the Dodgers this season. The team has cycled through 17 different starting pitchers. This rotation instability has been a challenge. Bobby Miller, a notable prospect, missed two months with shoulder inflammation and posted an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts, leading to his demotion. In Triple-A, Miller has not fared much better, recording a 5.82 ERA with almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Despite the pitching struggles, Ryan has been a bright spot with a stellar 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year. His performance garnered attention, with Baseball America naming him the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update. Ryan came to the Dodgers in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022.
Team’s Performance and Standings
The Dodgers' overall performance this season has been a mixed bag. They boast a 68-49 record but have struggled recently, going 17-18 over their last 35 games. This slump has significantly impacted their standing in the NL West. Their comfortable 8.5-game lead as of July 23 has dwindled to a precarious 2.5 games. The pressure is mounting as the Dodgers look to stabilize and make a strong finish in the regular season.
As the Dodgers continue to navigate these challenging times, much will depend on the results of River Ryan's upcoming medical tests. The team and fans alike hope for positive news as the rookie has shown immense potential in his limited outings. For now, the Dodgers must soldier on, managing their depleted rotation and seeking consistency in their march towards playoff contention.