Dodgers’ Pitching Troubles Deepen as River Ryan Goes Down with Injury
The Los Angeles Dodgers' pitching struggles show no signs of letting up this season, as yet another starter, rookie right-hander River Ryan, has been sidelined due to injury. Ryan was pulled from his start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday night after experiencing forearm tightness, capping his outing at just 4 2/3 innings. Unfortunately for the Dodgers, this has spelled the end of Ryan's season.
Manager Dave Roberts confirmed the news solemnly, stating, "Ryan's season is officially over." The young pitcher, who joined the Dodgers from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for Matt Beaty in March 2022, had shown promise despite the team’s recurring injury problems. In his four starts, Ryan recorded an impressive 1.33 ERA, showing why Baseball America ranked him as the Dodgers' No. 10 prospect.
Early Promise Cut Short
Ryan’s promising run was abruptly interrupted when he first felt discomfort in his forearm during the third inning against the Pirates. Attempting to manage the pain, he used a massage gun between innings, but by the time he exited the game in the fifth inning, it was clear that his season had come to a premature end. This setback is another blow for a player who had already missed the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder.
Mounting Injuries and Their Impact
The Dodgers are no strangers to pitching woes this season, having utilized an astonishing 17 different starting pitchers—the most in the league. Fellow starter Bobby Miller also experienced a challenging year, missing two months due to shoulder inflammation. Miller’s big-league stint has been rough, resulting in an 8.07 ERA over seven starts. His performance in Triple-A has been equally concerning, with a 5.82 ERA and a nearly even ratio of walks to strikeouts.
To fill Ryan's roster spot, the Dodgers have called up Landon Knack, hoping the newcomer can bring some stability to the rotation. However, given the deficit of consistent pitching, it remains to be seen how effective this latest adjustment will be.
Season in Jeopardy
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers have managed to maintain a 68-49 record, the second-best in the National League. However, their recent form paints a less optimistic picture. Over the last 35 games, they have gone 17-18, causing their lead in the NL West to dwindle from 8.5 games on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games. As the postseason approaches, the team is desperate to secure their position and avoid falling further behind.
The Dodgers’ ability to navigate through this challenging landscape will be greatly tested in the coming weeks. They will need to rely heavily on their depth and hope for a reversal of their current pitching predicament. As the struggle for playoff spots intensifies, the team’s resilience may ultimately determine their fate.
In conclusion, the Dodgers are at a critical juncture. The loss of River Ryan is yet another challenge in a season already filled with them. With 17 different starting pitchers used, the team has led the league in this unenviable metric, highlighting just how unstable their rotation has been. As they strive to secure a playoff berth, it is clear that overcoming these pitching injuries will be paramount to their success.