While the Los Angeles Dodgers’ company line of never having enough pitching carries plenty of truth, it may also require the club to make multiple roster decisions in the near future.
Nearly one year removed from last May’s season-ending surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, Hyun-Jin Ryu took the mound for his first rehab assignment with High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
At the time of surgery, Ryu was projected to recover in time for Spring Training. He reported to Camelback Ranch prior to the set date for pitchers and catchers, but never made his way into a game.
Ryu suffered multiple setbacks in his recovery, and eventually conceded he would not be ready for the start of the 2016 regular season. He tossed 22 pitches over two scoreless innings on Sunday, not yet pitching at maximum effort.
It was Ryu’s first game action since a Cactus League start on March 17, 2015. According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, who captured the video above, Ryu tossed his full arsenal of pitches without issue:
“Pretty much I don’t have any problems, any issues right now,” he said. “I threw all my pitches.”
Ryu’s next turn in the rotation is Friday, when the Quakes host the San Jose Giants at LoanMart Field. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts previously indicated the left-hander was likely to make four or five rehab starts.
Ryu is expected to build his innings base as he advances with the rehab assignment. At the current rate, the 29 year old could potentially step toe the rubber in a Major League game at some point in June. Assuming, of course, Ryu doesn’t suffer any setbacks.
