Injury Woes Continue for Dodgers as River Ryan Faces Tommy John Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ starting rotation has faced yet another setback, this time with rookie right-hander River Ryan exiting Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness. The highly anticipated debut season for Ryan has been marred by injuries, and his latest ailment has taken a definitive and unfortunate turn.
Ryan first noticed discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. In an effort to mitigate the pain, he resorted to using a massage gun between innings. However, by the fifth inning, the tightness returned, forcing Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the game. Subsequent examinations revealed that Ryan had suffered a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, an injury necessitating Tommy John surgery. This procedure will not only conclude his 2024 season but also likely sideline him for most, if not all, of 2025.
Ryan's debut earlier this year was highly anticipated by both the Dodgers and their fanbase. Baseball America had praised him, noting that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." This season was expected to be a showcase of his potential and a significant stepping stone in his career. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed those hopes. He had already been on the injured list earlier this season due to a sore shoulder, keeping him out of play for the first two months.
In addition to Ryan, the Dodgers have dealt with multiple injuries to their starting rotation. Another name on that list is Bobby Miller, who missed a substantial amount of time due to shoulder inflammation. Miller's post-injury performance struggled to meet expectations, as he recorded an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted to Triple-A. His time in the minors showcased only minor improvements, with a 5.82 ERA and a concerning balance of 16 walks to 17 strikeouts over five starts.
This season, the Dodgers have been forced to use 17 different starting pitchers, the most in Major League Baseball. The rotation's instability has been a significant challenge for Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff. As they aim to piece together a rotation capable of contending in the postseason, the task of preserving the health of their remaining arms and managing innings carefully becomes paramount.
To compensate for the latest injury blow, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack from their minor league system. Knack will be expected to step into the rotation and deliver under pressure as the Dodgers continue their quest for another deep playoff run. Despite the rotating cast on the mound, the Dodgers currently hold a record of 70-49, the best in the National League. They lead their division with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by 3 1/2 games.
Staying at the top of the national league standings requires not just talent but also adaptability. The Dodgers’ determination and resourcefulness will undoubtedly be put to the test as they navigate the remainder of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs. Manager Dave Roberts and his staff need to ensure that their remaining pitchers are kept in optimal condition, balancing the need for wins with the imperative of maintaining players' health.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on how the Dodgers manage their rotation and whether their depth and resilience can carry them through this adversity. Despite the setbacks, the Dodgers' journey this season is far from over, and their aspirations for postseason success continue to drive their every move.