The Los Angeles Dodgers can’t avoid the bad news about their starting pitching this season.
Rookie River Ryan’s season is over after he suffered an elbow injury during Saturday’s 4-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates. With two outs in the fifth inning, the right-handed pitcher threw a slider and immediately began shaking his arm. After an athletic trainer visited him on the mound, Ryan was pulled from the game with what the team described as “right forearm tightness.”
Before leaving the game, Ryan allowed no runs and four hits with four strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. His season ended with four starts for the Dodgers, in which he posted a 1.33 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings. Ryan entered the season as the team’s No. 4 prospect, according to MLB.com.
The pitcher underwent an MRI on Sunday and may undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury. But the Dodgers have learned enough to know that Ryan’s season is over, as manager Dave Roberts told reporters.
River Ryan, a surprising bright spot for the Dodgers with a 1.33 ERA, will require elbow surgery after this pitch.
The Dodgers just can’t stay healthy. photo.twitter.com/Mo1kycEAcp
— The Skippers View (@TheSkippersView) August 11, 2024
“It’s definitely an elbow. I don’t know the exact diagnosis, but his season is over,” Roberts said. “I think they’re waiting for more scans to figure out exactly what needs to be done.”
Landon Knack was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to fill Ryan’s roster spot. In nine appearances earlier this season for Los Angeles, he struck out 42 batters in 44 innings with a 3.07 ERA.
Ryan told reporters Saturday that he began feeling discomfort in his right forearm in the third inning, but did not believe it was serious and used a massage gun to keep his arm loose. However, the problem became worse and could not be ignored in the fifth inning. Ryan said he did not want to leave the game, but the staff decided he had to be pulled.
“His season is over. They’re waiting on some more scans to figure out the exact course of action.” Dave Roberts with an update on River Ryan. photo.twitter.com/yiGp2XxScV
— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 11, 2024
Injuries have decimated the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season. Walker Buehler is expected to return to the team and pitching on wednesdaywhile Yoshinobu Yamamoto appears to be making progress and will have a bullpen session on Tuesday.
Ryan Brasier and Connor Brogdon will soon begin minor league rehab assignments. Brusdar Graterol is recovering from a hamstring injury, and Blake Treinen is battling left hip discomfort. Tony Gonsolin and Emmet Sheehan both underwent season-ending surgeries, while Dustin May has a ruptured esophagus.
