The Los Angeles Dodgers' season took another unfortunate turn as rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness. This development adds to the growing list of challenges the Dodgers' pitching staff has faced this year.
Ryan, who left after 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches, first experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. Attempting to mitigate the issue, he used a massage gun between innings. However, the tightness returned in the fifth inning, forcing him to leave the game prematurely.
"Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, addressing the concern surrounding Ryan's condition. He added, "But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting."
Ryan's brief outing was a setback for him personally as well. He had only recently returned to the mound after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder. The young pitcher’s return had been promising, posting a commendable 1.33 ERA in his four Major League Baseball (MLB) starts this year. His performance had not gone unnoticed, as Baseball America ranked him the No. 10 prospect in the Dodgers' system in their midseason update.
This latest injury means Ryan will be placed on the injured list and undergo further testing on Sunday. The Dodgers will be cautious with his recovery, especially given the crucial stage of the season and their dwindling lead in the National League (NL) West. The team's record stands at 68-49, but they have been struggling recently with a 17-18 record over their last 35 games. Consequently, their NL West lead has shrunk from 8.5 games on July 23 to a mere 2.5 games.
The Dodgers have had a tumultuous season with their starting pitchers. They have utilized 17 different starters this year, a testament to the injury woes and inconsistency plaguing the rotation. Bobby Miller is another example; after missing two months with shoulder inflammation, he struggled to find his form upon returning. He recorded an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts before being demoted. Even in Triple-A, Miller hasn’t found his rhythm, posting a 5.82 ERA with almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
Ryan’s injury is particularly frustrating given the promise he has shown since joining the Dodgers. Acquired in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022, he has rapidly climbed the ranks within the organization. His early career performance had raised hopes among the Dodgers’ faithful that he could be a mainstay in the rotation.
As the Dodgers continue to navigate a season fraught with challenges, the focus will now turn to the forthcoming tests on Ryan's forearm. The team’s ability to manage their rotation and keep their starters healthy may determine their fortunes as the playoff race intensifies.