The Los Angeles Dodgers can’t avoid the bad news about their starting pitchers 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-hander threw a slider and immediately began experiencing arm pain. After a trainer visited him on the mound, Ryan was removed from the game due to what the team said was “right forearm stiffness.”
Before leaving the game, Ryan allowed no runs and four hits with four strikeouts in 4 2/3 innings. His season ends with four starts for the Dodgers, during which he compiled a 1.33 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings. Ryan began the season ranked by MLB.com as The team’s number 4 prospect.
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 undergo elbow surgery after this pitch.
The Dodgers just can’t stay healthy. image.twitter.com/Mo1kycEAcp
— The Captains’ View (@TheSkippersView) August 11, 2024
“Obviously, it’s an elbow issue. I don’t know the exact diagnosis, but his season is going to be over,” Roberts said. “I think they’re waiting for some more tests to be done to determine the exact course of action.”
Landon Knack was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City to take Ryan’s roster spot. In nine appearances earlier this season for Los Angeles, he struck out 42 in 44 innings with a 3.07 ERA.
Ryan told reporters Saturday that he started feeling discomfort in his right forearm in the third inning, but he didn’t believe it was anything serious and used a massage gun to keep his arm relaxed. However, the problem worsened and couldn’t be ignored in the fifth inning. Ryan said he didn’t want to leave the game, but the staff decided he had to go.
“His season is almost over. They are waiting for further tests to be done to determine 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 ravaged the Dodgers’ pitching staff this season. Walker Buehler is expected to rejoin the team and Wednesday launchwhile Yoshinobu Yamamoto appears to be making progress and will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday.
Ryan Brasier and Connor Brogdon are set to begin their minor league rehab assignments soon. Brusdar Graterol is recovering from a hamstring strain and Blake Treinen is dealing with left hip discomfort. Tony Gonsolin and Emmet Sheehan both underwent season-ending surgery, while Dustin May has a torn esophagus.