Dodgers sensational top pitching prospect shut down for season with elbow injury

The Los Angeles Dodgers can't catch a break in their starting rotation.

Their season has been defined by injuries to starting pitchers, and they suffered another brutal blow to that group in Saturday's win over the Pirates.

River Ryan, one of the Dodgers' top pitching prospects, was forced by injuries in the rotation to make an early appearance at the Major League level. He was excellent in four starts, allowing only three earned runs 20.1 innings with 18 strikeouts.

He was cruising again Saturday against the Pirates, but his start was cut short by what manager Dave Roberts described as "forearm tightness" after the game. Roberts on Sunday clarified that Ryan suffered an elbow injury and is done for the season .

It's unclear what the extent of the injury is for Ryan. Roberts told reporters the team got an MRI and is now awaiting additional tests to find out the exact nature of the injury. While there's no specific diagnosis, the team knows enough to know that Ryan won't be able to pitch again in 2024 .

This is just another blow to a Dodgers pitching staff that hasn't been able to stay healthy all season, but it's especially rough for Ryan. He was cruising again in Saturday's start with no runs allowed on four hits through 4.2 innings. There was a chance the 25-year-old could have a major impact on the starting rotation into October.

Ryan was placed on the IL and fellow rookie Landon Knack was recalled from Triple-A Oklahoma City. Knack has a 3.07 ERA this season in nine Major League appearances this season. He started eight of those games and struck out 42 batters in 44 innings.

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