Another Injury Blow for the Dodgers: River Ryan Exits with Forearm Tightness
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing yet another challenge as their robust pitching rotation takes another hit. This time, it’s rookie right-hander River Ryan who was forced to leave Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates prematurely. Ryan, who has only made his way back to the mound recently, exited after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches due to what was described as forearm tightness.
Ryan first experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. In an attempt to mitigate the issue, he used a massage gun between innings to loosen up. However, despite these efforts, the tightness resurfaced in the fifth inning, necessitating his departure from the game. "Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," Dodgers manager Dave Roberts stated, conveying the cautious optimism around Ryan's condition. He added, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
The young pitcher will be placed on the injured list and is expected to undergo further testing on Sunday to determine the seriousness of the injury. This setback comes at a particularly inopportune time for the Dodgers, who have utilized an astounding 17 different starting pitchers this season due to injuries and other issues.
Ryan had only recently made a comeback after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder. Despite these obstacles, he has shown flashes of promise with a 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year. His performance had earned him recognition from Baseball America, which ranked him as the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
The Dodgers' pitching woes have not been limited to Ryan. Another key figure, Bobby Miller, missed two months earlier this season due to shoulder inflammation. However, his time on the mound has been less than stellar, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts before being demoted. Even in Triple-A, Miller has struggled, posting a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Ryan’s journey with the Dodgers began in March 2022 when he was acquired in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty. The transaction seemed like a footnote at the time, but Ryan has proven to be a valuable asset for Los Angeles. However, with his recent inclusion on the injured list, the Dodgers will need to reshuffle their pitching options once again.
This season, the Dodgers have managed a 68-49 record despite their fluctuating roster. However, they have faltered slightly in recent weeks, going 17-18 over their last 35 games. This shaky performance has seen their lead in the NL West diminish from 8.5 games on July 23 to just 2.5 games. The team’s fortunes seem to hang in the balance, with injuries playing a significant role in their current struggles.
As the Dodgers await further news on Ryan’s condition, the focus remains on cautious optimism. The organization and fans alike are hoping that the injury is not as severe as it might appear, allowing Ryan to make a swift return to solidify a beleaguered pitching rotation. For now, all eyes will be on Sunday’s medical assessments, hoping for a hint of good news in what has been a tumultuous season for the Dodgers' pitchers.