The Los Angeles Dodgers Face More Rotation Woes
The Los Angeles Dodgers have encountered yet another setback in their pitching rotation. On Saturday night, in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, rookie right-hander River Ryan was forced to leave the mound due to forearm tightness. Originally feeling discomfort in the third inning, Ryan attempted to manage the pain using a massage gun between innings. However, by the fifth inning, the tightness had returned, compelling Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the game.
Unfortunately, the news only worsened from there. Subsequent tests revealed a torn UCL in Ryan's throwing elbow, an injury that necessitates Tommy John surgery. As a result, the Dodgers' rookie is out for the remainder of the 2024 season and likely much of 2025. The setback marks yet another blow for a rotation that has seen more than its fair share of challenges this year.
Ryan's debut earlier this year had come with high expectations from the Dodgers organization. Even Baseball America touted his potential, noting that he "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." However, Ryan's season was already marred by injuries, having missed the first two months due to a sore shoulder. His latest injury further complicates a tumultuous rookie season.
Ryan's situation echoes the struggles of his teammate, Bobby Miller, who also missed significant time with shoulder inflammation. Miller's return to the big leagues was less than impressive, as he recorded an 8.07 ERA in seven starts before being demoted. His Triple-A performance did little to inspire confidence, posting a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
And yet, Miller and Ryan are but two pieces in a larger puzzle. The Dodgers have been forced to rely on a staggering 17 different starting pitchers this season, the highest number in Major League Baseball. The constant shuffle in the rotation has added layers of complexity to the team's overall strategy, particularly as they aim to clinch a postseason berth.
To fill in the void left by Ryan, the Dodgers have called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. As the team sits with a record of 70-49, holding the best record in the National League, they face stiff competition from the Arizona Diamondbacks and the San Diego Padres, who trail by just 3 1/2 games. The road ahead demands both strategic planning and cautious optimism.
Manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff now bear the challenging task of piecing together a resilient rotation capable of carrying the team through the postseason. Their strategy will likely focus on preserving the health of their remaining arms while managing innings with precision. This balancing act is vital for maintaining their position at the top of the National League standings.
Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers remain a formidable force, but the health of their pitching staff will be crucial as they navigate the final stretch of the season. With River Ryan's rookie season cut short and other key players struggling to stay healthy, the team's ability to adapt and persevere will be put to the ultimate test.