The Los Angeles Dodgers face more turbulence as yet another starting pitcher heads to the injured list. In Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan exited early due to forearm tightness, delivering another blow to a team already grappling with a slew of injuries in their pitching roster.
Unexpected Exit
Ryan was removed after just 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches, underscoring the severity of the issue. The trouble seems to have begun in the third inning when Ryan first experienced discomfort in his forearm. Trying to alleviate the pain, the rookie used a massage gun between innings. Despite his efforts, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, prompting his premature exit from the mound.
Dodgers' Manager Dave Roberts conveyed the cautious approach the team is taking with Ryan. "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. "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Ryan, who had recently rejoined the roster after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder, is now slated for further medical evaluation on Sunday. His latest setback adds to the Dodgers' woes, especially considering the team has already utilized an astounding 17 different starting pitchers this season.
A Season Marked by Injuries
Ryan's injury follows a pattern for the Dodgers, whose pitching staff has been hit hard this season. Bobby Miller, another promising talent, missed two months due to shoulder inflammation. Miller, who started in seven major-league games this year, posted an 8.07 ERA before being demoted. His performance in Triple-A hasn’t been much more encouraging, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in just five starts.
Ryan, acquired from the San Diego Padres in a minor trade for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022, has shown promise with a 1.33 ERA in four MLB starts this year. Recognized by Baseball America as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update, Ryan’s potential is undeniable. However, his ability to stay healthy remains a significant concern.
Impact on the Team
The Dodgers, sitting with a 68-49 record, have struggled in their recent stretch, going 17-18 over their last 35 games. The lead in the NL West has dwindled dramatically from 8.5 games on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games. The continuous shuffle of starting pitchers could further imperil their grip on the division.
As Ryan heads to the injured list and awaits further tests, the Dodgers will need to dig deep into their pitching reserves. The repeated injuries test not only the team’s depth but also the resilience of the players who must step up in these challenging times.
While Manager Dave Roberts remains hopeful for a positive outcome, the mounting injuries cast a long shadow over the team’s quest for stability on the mound. Ryan’s performance and potential have been bright spots, but his latest setback raises questions about whether the Dodgers can maintain their competitive edge through the remainder of the season.
The Dodgers and their fans now await Sunday's tests, hoping for a silver lining in what has been a tumultuous season for their pitchers.