Another Setback for Dodgers' Rotation: River Ryan Out with UCL Tear
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitching woes have deepened as rookie right-hander River Ryan has been diagnosed with a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, a devastating injury that requires Tommy John surgery. This setback concludes Ryan's 2024 season and likely sidelines him for the majority of 2025.
Ryan’s injury further complicates an already challenging season for the Dodgers' rotation. The 24-year-old had only recently made his big-league debut after missing the first two months of the season due to a sore shoulder. The team had high hopes for Ryan, who Baseball America noted “has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter.”
An Unfortunate Saturday Night
Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates marked a turning point when Ryan experienced forearm tightness. The discomfort first surfaced in the third inning, and despite using a massage gun to alleviate the pain, the tightness returned more persistently by the fifth inning. Manager Dave Roberts had no choice but to remove him from the game, and an immediate diagnosis landed him on the injured list the following day.
Subsequent tests confirmed the worst fears: a torn UCL. It’s a bitter blow to a rotation that has been struggling with injuries and inconsistencies throughout the season.
Struggles in the Rotation
Ryan is not the only Dodgers pitcher facing challenges this season. Bobby Miller, another promising right-hander, also missed significant time dealing with shoulder inflammation. Since his return, Miller has struggled to find his form, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven major-league starts before being demoted to Triple-A. His performance in Triple-A has not been much better, with a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers' rotation has seen an unprecedented level of turnover, using 17 different starting pitchers this season, the highest in baseball. This constant shuffling has put a strain on the team, even though they currently hold a commendable record of 70-49, the best in the National League.
Roster Moves and Future Implications
In response to Ryan's injury, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. The front office and managerial staff, led by Dave Roberts, now face the daunting task of piecing together a rotation that can carry them through the postseason. Roberts and his staff are focusing on preserving the health of their remaining arms and carefully managing innings to avoid further injuries.
The Dodgers currently lead the National League with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by 3 1/2 games. Maintaining this lead will require not only strategic management of the pitching staff but also solid performances from the entire roster.
The Road Ahead
As the season progresses, the Dodgers are determined to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings. They will need to balance the urgency of winning games with the necessity of keeping their pitchers healthy. It's a delicate dance that will require all the experience and strategic acumen that Roberts and his coaching staff can muster.
While the loss of River Ryan is significant, the Dodgers have shown resilience in facing multiple adversities this season. The next few weeks will test their depth and tenacity, as they navigate a challenging path toward the postseason with hopes of a deep playoff run.
Injuries may have marred their rotation, but the Dodgers' spirit and determination remain unwavering. The baseball community will be watching closely as this storied franchise aims to overcome its pitching dilemmas and continue its quest for excellence on the field.