Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts named Alex Wood, Brandon McCarthy and Clayton Kershaw, in that order, his starters for the weekend series against the Chicago Cubs. Noticeably absent from the group of probable pitchers was Hyun-Jin Ryu.
He last pitched May 18 against the Miami Marlins. Ryu only allowed two runs on seven hits, two of which were home runs, but he labored through 5.1 innings. Roberts would not say when the 30-year-old may next pitch.
However, the second-year manager did reveal the Dodgers have discussed with Ryu potentially moving him to the bullpen in a long relief role.
“It wouldn’t be permanent,” Roberts explained. “We have an excess of quality starting pitchers, so to try to get innings for guys is tough. I think he’s open to doing whatever he can to help our ballclub.”
Pitching out of the bullpen would be a first for Ryu. It’s one reason the Dodgers to this point are hesitant to make the change. “There’s a potential routine change, and you’ve got to be sensitive to that,” Roberts said.
“There are a lot of variables, so it’s not an easy thing. We really want to talk through it and make the right decision.”
The southpaw is 2-5 with a 4.75 ERA and 1.58 WHIP. Ryu has only completed six innings in two starts this season, and allowed at least four earned runs in three of seven outings.
The Dodgers opened the season with a bullpen that included two long relievers in Ross Stripling and Alex Wood. Stripling has found success in high-leverage situations, while Wood has earned a spot in the rotation.
As for Ryu, this is his first full year since injuries limited to just one start over the past two seasons.
