Dodgers Face Another Setback as River Ryan Undergoes Tommy John Surgery
The Los Angeles Dodgers, already grappling with an array of pitching problems, have been struck with yet another critical blow to their rotation. Rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with forearm tightness, a concern that has now escalated into a severe issue.
Ryan first experienced discomfort in his forearm during the third inning but attempted to manage the pain using a massage gun between innings. By the fifth inning, however, the tightness returned with greater intensity, forcing Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the game. The immediate diagnosis sent Ryan to the injured list the following day, and subsequent tests confirmed a torn UCL in his throwing elbow, necessitating Tommy John surgery.
This unfortunate injury not only concludes Ryan's 2024 season but is also likely to sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2025 season. Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year, was seen by many, including Baseball America, as having "the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter." His potential made him a crucial component of the Dodgers' long-term plans and deepened the blow of his loss.
Ryan's season began with promise but was already marred by injuries. He missed the first two months because of a sore shoulder. His recent performance was among the rare bright spots in a rotation that has been fraught with instability. His absence compounds the Dodgers' existing woes, with Bobby Miller also having missed significant time this season due to shoulder inflammation. Miller's return to the major leagues was less than stellar, evidenced by an 8.07 ERA across seven starts, which led to his demotion. Even in Triple-A, his struggles persisted, recording a 5.82 ERA and nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) over five starts.
The Dodgers have resorted to an unprecedented level of experimentation and adaptation this season, having utilized 17 different starting pitchers—the highest number in Major League Baseball. This alarming trend underscores a desperate search for stability and reliability as the team contends with a battered rotation. In response to Ryan’s injury, right-handed pitcher Landon Knack has been called up, joining the rotation in the hope that he can offer some much-needed reinforcement.
Despite these hardships, the Dodgers continue to demonstrate resilience. As of now, they hold a record of 70-49, the best in the National League, maintaining a 3 1/2-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres. However, the path ahead remains fraught with challenges for Manager Dave Roberts and his staff. Piecing together a sustainable rotation for the postseason is a daunting task, requiring meticulous management of their pitchers' health and innings.
The Dodgers' strategy going forward will focus on preserving the health of their remaining arms. With the postseason looming, the priority will be to ensure that their pitchers are not only available but also performing at their peak. This delicate balancing act includes managing workloads and possibly seeking additional reinforcements if injuries continue to plague the roster.
The road to maintaining their dominant position in the National League is steep, but it’s one the Dodgers are prepared to navigate with caution and strategic acumen. With pivotal games on the horizon, the team’s ability to adapt and overcome adversity will define their season, showcasing the depth and resilience synonymous with the Dodgers' organization.