Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Hyun-Jin Ryu successfully threw a 34-pitch bullpen session and is on track to start Friday’s series opener against the Colorado Rockies. The Dodgers conclude their regular-season schedule with a weekend set at Coors Field.
There initially was some doubt as to whether Ryu would take the mound again, because of residual swelling from being struck by a line drive in the third inning of his start last Saturday. Ryu was immediately removed from the game and later diagnosed with a left forearm contusion after X-rays came back negative.
The start is a final audition for Ryu to further state his case for being part of the Dodgers postseason rotation. It remains a possibility as the team continues to opt against formally announcing what role Alex Wood will hold.
Ryu has faced the Rockies three times this season, including twice on the road. He’s 0-2 with a 7.27 ERA, 2.42 WHIP and allowed a combined six extra-base hits (five doubles, one home run) in just 8.2 innings pitched at Coors Field.
If there’s a silver lining for Ryu, each of his three starts against the Rockies came within the first six weeks of the regular season. He’s 2-2 with a 2.42 ERA in 10 starts since the All-Star break.
Moreover, the 30-year-old has allowed just two runs in 13 innings (1.38 ERA) and held opponents to a .191/.296/.255 batting line in his last three outings. Overall this season, Ryu is 5-8 with one save, a 3.47 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in 24 games (23 starts).
Roberts recently referred to him as a ‘winning pitcher.’ It’s plausible he’ll need to contend with a Rockies team that is still looking to secure the second spot in the National League Wild Card Game.
With Ryu starting Friday and Clayton Kershaw taking the ball on Saturday, the Dodgers are still in need of a probable starter for the regular-season finale. Roberts indicated Yu Darvish and Wood are among the options.
