The Los Angeles Dodgers, already beset by injuries this season, have encountered yet another obstacle with rookie right-hander River Ryan heading to the injured list. Ryan's early exit from Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates due to forearm tightness marks the latest chapter in a season fraught with medical setbacks for the team's pitching staff.
Forearm Tightness Forces Early Exit
Ryan had shown promise during his short stint with the team, but his performance was abruptly cut short after just 4 2/3 innings and 56 pitches. The young pitcher initially experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning. Between innings, he attempted to alleviate the issue with a massage gun, but the tightness returned in the fifth inning, necessitating his departure from the mound.
"Hopefully we have some good news, and we'll see. Obviously, we've got to be careful with him. We'll know more tomorrow," Manager Dave Roberts remarked, highlighting the uncertainty that now looms over Ryan’s immediate future.
Further Testing on the Horizon
In light of the injury, Ryan will undergo further testing on Sunday to determine the severity of the issue. The forearm tightness is particularly concerning, as it could be indicative of a more serious underlying condition that could sideline the rookie for an extended period.
"But obviously, when you see a guy go on his forearm, it's always disconcerting," Roberts added, articulating the apprehension felt within the Dodgers' camp.
A Season Marred by Injuries
Ryan's move to the injured list is just one of many blows the Dodgers' pitching staff has endured this season. The team has had to utilize an extraordinary 17 different starting pitchers due to a slew of injuries and inconsistent performances. The list of injured pitchers includes Bobby Miller, who missed two months with shoulder inflammation. Miller, after his return, struggled with an ERA of 8.07 in seven major-league starts, leading to his demotion back to Triple-A. There, he continues to grapple with control issues, evidenced by his 5.82 ERA across five starts, where he has almost as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17).
Ryan himself is no stranger to setbacks, having only recently returned to action after missing the first two months of the season with a sore shoulder. Since joining the Dodgers in a minor trade from the San Diego Padres for utility man Matt Beaty in March 2022, Ryan has shown flashes of brilliance, posting a commendable 1.33 ERA in his four MLB starts this year.
Dodgers' Playoff Hopes in Jeopardy
As the Dodgers navigate these choppy waters, their overall performance has been on a downward trajectory. With a 68-49 record, they have stumbled, going 17-18 in their last 35 games. This drop in form has seen their commanding NL West lead shrink from 8.5 games on July 23 to a narrow 2.5 games.
However, there is a sliver of hope that the further tests will yield positive results for Ryan, allowing him to rejoin the rotation soon. Manager Dave Roberts, while cautious, remains hopeful.
The Dodgers’ front office and coaching staff will undoubtedly be on tenterhooks as they await the results of Ryan’s tests. In a season where the team’s depth has been continually tested, the health of their promising rookie right-hander could prove pivotal in their pursuit of postseason glory.