At 7:40PM, Roberts informed reporters, including Jack Harris, that Ryan has a UCL strain. It is uncertain whether the injury can be managed without surgery or if Ryan will need a Tommy John or brace procedure.
Earlier at 1:38PM, Dodgers pitcher River Ryan was ruled out for the season due to an elbow injury sustained in his last game, as reported by Juan Toribio of MLB.com. Manager Dave Roberts stated that the team is still determining the exact diagnosis and next steps for the 25-year-old, but he will not pitch again in 2024, according to Jack Harris of the LA Times. Despite the hope of avoiding major surgery, Ryan’s recovery time is limited, making it impossible for him to return this year. The Dodgers have placed Ryan on the 15-day injured list and called up Landon Knack for the final game against the Pirates.
Ryan is recognized as one of the top pitching prospects in the Dodgers organization and in baseball. Despite a setback earlier in the season due to a shoulder injury, he has performed exceptionally well since his return. With a 2.66 ERA in Triple-A and a 1.33 ERA in his first four MLB starts, Ryan has showcased impressive pitching skills. Although his underlying statistics may not be as strong, his fastball velocity and secondary pitches show great promise for his future.
Ryan joined the Dodgers post-All-Star break due to their pitching needs, but now he joins a growing list of injured starters on the team. It is likely he will be moved to the 60-day IL soon, especially as key players like Max Muncy and Tommy Edman near their return. President of baseball operations Andrew Friedman mentioned that Muncy and Edman could be back for the upcoming homestand starting on August 19 against the Mariners.
Knack, with a 3.07 ERA in his nine outings for the Dodgers this season, will provide additional bullpen support until Buehler is expected to return on Wednesday. While primarily a starting pitcher, Knack’s versatility will be valuable for the team.
