Another Blow to Dodgers’ Rotation as River Ryan Faces Tommy John Surgery
As the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their quest to maintain the best record in the National League, they are facing another significant setback in their pitching rotation. Promising rookie right-hander River Ryan exited Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates after experiencing forearm tightness, a discomfort that led to a devastating diagnosis.
Ryan initially felt discomfort during the third inning but attempted to manage the pain using a massage gun between innings. However, by the fifth, the tightness had intensified, prompting Manager Dave Roberts to remove him from the game. Subsequent tests confirmed the worst fears—a torn UCL in Ryan’s throwing elbow, effectively ending his season and likely sidelining him for most, if not all, of 2025. Ryan, who made his debut earlier this year and had already missed the beginning of the season due to a sore shoulder, now faces a long road to recovery with Tommy John surgery on the horizon.
Injury Woes Continue
This latest injury is a crippling blow to a Dodgers rotation that has already been plagued by injuries this season. Ryan's immediate placement on the injured list further complicates a pitching situation that has seen Bobby Miller also miss significant time due to shoulder inflammation. Miller's return to the mound was less than stellar, recording an 8.07 ERA in seven big-league starts before being demoted to Triple-A. His struggles continued there, posting a 5.82 ERA with nearly as many walks (16) as strikeouts (17) in five starts.
The Dodgers have had to employ a patchwork approach to their rotation, using 17 different starting pitchers this season—the most in baseball. The challenge now falls on Roberts and his staff to find a way to stabilize the rotation as they head into the crucial final stretch of the season and the postseason.
Next Man Up
In an effort to plug the gap left by Ryan, the Dodgers called up right-handed pitcher Landon Knack. Although Knack is stepping into a high-pressure situation, the Dodgers remain hopeful that he can contribute meaningfully. This move is part of a broader strategy to preserve the health of their remaining arms and manage innings carefully as they aim to maintain their position at the top of the National League standings.
Despite these challenges, the Dodgers hold a strong record of 70-49, leading the National League. However, their lead is not insurmountable, with the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres trailing by just 3 1/2 games. The managerial acumen of Dave Roberts will undoubtedly be put to the test as he pieces together a rotation capable of carrying the team through the postseason.
High Hopes Dashed
The high hopes for River Ryan, who Baseball America noted "has the stuff to be a mid-rotation starter," have been dashed, at least for the near future. The young right-hander’s removal from the rotation is a significant loss, especially considering the potential he showed early on. His journey has been fraught with physical challenges, but the organization’s optimism for his future remains undeterred. The Dodgers had envisioned Ryan as a key figure in their pitching strategy, and his long-term absence will require substantial adjustments.
The Path Ahead
As the Dodgers navigate these turbulent waters, the focus remains on finding stability and ensuring their pitchers are in peak condition for the final push. The team's ability to adapt and overcome the numerous pitching adversities will be crucial in determining how far they can go during the postseason. The fans and the baseball world will be watching closely to see how the Dodgers manage these trials, with the hope that their resilience will carry them through. The health and performance of the remaining rotation arms will be paramount in the Dodgers' quest to preserve their position atop the National League standings and beyond.
In a season marked by resilience and adaptation, the Dodgers continue to face each challenge head-on, determined to uphold their reputation as one of the premier teams in baseball. The road ahead may be uncertain, but the Dodgers have shown time and again that they are capable of weathering the storm.