The elbow and the UCL are the first things that come to mind for every pitcher when they see their arm appear to go numb after throwing a baseball. When River Ryan, the top pitching prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers, last took the mound, this is exactly what happened.

In his most recent start, Ryan left the game due to a UCL sprain from the pitch below:

A few days later, it was revealed that Ryan would have a full Tommy John procedure to repair the ligament in his right elbow, contrary to the first reports that said the Dodgers were optimistic he could recover and rest from the injury.

Due to the 12-to 18-month rehabilitation period following this operation, he will most certainly miss the remainder of this season as well as all of 2025. The rest and recuperation approach carries some danger, as seen by Andrew Painter’s experience, but it would have prepared him for the start of 2025. Painter underwent surgery months after the first injury because he put off the procedure for months and never fully recovered.

Ryan and the Dodgers choose to correct this error and have the juvenile elbow operated on as soon as possible.

What does the injury to River Ryan imply for the NL Pennant race?
After all, baseball is a business. Thus, even if this injury is regrettable, it affects the entire National League.

The struggling Philadelphia Phillies have an opportunity to secure the first seed in the National League because to this injury. Despite their 4-6 record over the previous ten games, Philadelphia still has a very talented team.

Ryan appeared to be one of Los Angeles’ best postseason starters based on his throwing style and the Dodgers rotation’s injury status. With each start, the righty was just becoming better and better.

As a result, the Phillies’ pitching advantage in the National League is now even greater. The Phillies appear to be a more complete club overall, despite the fact that they obviously lack a top two player like Mookie Betts and Shohei Ohtani. This kind of injury highlights that even more.

It is possible that the Dodgers are using a starter in the postseason that they are not entirely confident in. With numerous All-Star arms, the Phillies won’t have this problem.

It will be interesting to watch which team can win the National League’s one seed by winning the remainder of the season.

Phillies bring back Illinois right-hander Taijuan Walker.

Right-hander Taijuan Walker of the Philadelphia Phillies was activated off the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday.

In the game against the visiting Miami Marlins on Tuesday night, Walker—who is celebrating his 32nd birthday—will get the start.

Walker (3-3, 5.60 ERA) had irritation in his right index finger when he was placed on the disabled list on June 23.

In exchange, the Phillies optioned right-hander Yunior Marte to Triple-A Lehigh Valley.