The Los Angeles Dodgers’ efforts to bolster their starting rotation took a significant hit as Brett Anderson, Brandon Beachy and Mike Bolsinger were lost to injury during Spring Training. That was magnified by Hyun-Jin Ryu’s recovery from last May’s shoulder surgery hitting multiple snags.
Although Ryu was initially projected to recover in time for Spring Training, he never appeared in a Cactus League game. Eventually, his expected return was pushed back to the regular season, with the southpaw targeting May.
That too came and went, though Ryu did complete multiple bullpen sessions and threw live batting practice as he built up to beginning a rehab assignment that started on May 15 with High-A Rancho Cucamonga.
After two starts with the Quakes, the 29 year old joined Triple-A Oklahoma City, but is taking a step back due to experiencing soreness after a recent outing, per ESPN’s Buster Olney:
The Dodgers' Hyun-Jin Ryu sore after his most recent work. Backing off his planned assignments.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) May 29, 2016
According to AM 570 LA Sports Radio DodgerTalk host David Vassegh, the Dodgers aren’t overly concerned by the setback:
#Dodgers aren't panicking over Ryu shoulder inflammation. He hit 90+MPH in his last start for 1st time in over a year. They will be patient.
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) May 29, 2016
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said recently that Ryu was slated to make two more rehab starts; the first since Roberts’ comments was scheduled to come Monday afternoon with Oklahoma City. Ryu had gradually built up his innings and pitch count through his first three outings.
In his last start, he tossed 55 pitches over four scoreless innings, then threw an additional 10 pitches on the side. Ryu has thrown a combined nine innings over three rehab starts.
