The Los Angeles Dodgers faced another injury setback as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early due to forearm tightness. Ryan, who has been a bright spot in the Dodgers' rotation since his recent return from a sore shoulder, left after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches.
Early Signs of Trouble
The first signs of trouble appeared in the third inning when Ryan felt discomfort in his forearm. Between innings, he attempted to alleviate the tightness using a massage gun, but the issue resurfaced by the fifth inning, forcing his early departure. Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts commented on the situation saying, "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow."
Ryan is now expected to be placed on the injured list and will undergo further testing. "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting," Roberts added, indicating the team's cautious approach.
A Season of Injuries
This injury marks another blow for the Dodgers, who have already used an astonishing 17 different starting pitchers this season. River Ryan had just made his return after missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. His performance upon return has been impressive, boasting a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year. His early season form had earned him recognition as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system by Baseball America in their midseason update.
Bobby Miller, another of the team's pitching hopefuls, also faced similar issues earlier this season. Miller missed two months due to shoulder inflammation. Despite starting his major league stint with promise, Miller struggled, posting an 8.07 ERA in seven starts before being demoted. His struggles continued in Triple-A, where he recorded a 5.82 ERA and nearly equal numbers of walks (16) to strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Ryan's Journey
River Ryan's journey to the Dodgers was relatively low-key. He joined the organization in a minor trade with the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022. Since then, he has been steadily climbing through the ranks and showcasing his potential. His current injury is a setback for both him and the Dodgers, who are in the midst of a competitive season.
Dodgers' Turbulent Season
The Dodgers, holding a 68-49 record, have been in a precarious slump, going 17-18 over their last 35 games. Their leading position in the NL West shrunk from 8.5 games on July 23 to a narrow 2.5 games. This contraction in their lead makes Ryan's untimely injury even more impactful as the team searches for stability and consistency in their rotation.
As the Dodgers navigate this challenging phase, the health and performance of their pitchers will remain critical to their success. The immediate future hinges on the results of Ryan's further testing slated for Sunday. The team and its fans will be anxiously awaiting updates, hoping for positive news regarding Ryan's condition.
This season has underscored the adage that in baseball, unpredictability is the only constant. How the Dodgers manage these ongoing challenges will be crucial in determining their postseason prospects. For now, they must regroup and adapt, a task made all the more difficult by the latest addition to their long list of injury woes.