The Los Angeles Dodgers pitching staff may soon be getting an addition as left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu made his first rehab start with High-A Rancho Cucamonga on Friday.
Ryu has been out since the middle of April with a groin strain, but he came out of that rehab start feeling healthy. He also pitched well, allowing just two hits over four scoreless innings while striking out four.
The next step for Ryu will be another rehab start this upcoming week, although it is unknown whether that will once again be with Rancho Cucamonga or if he will move to Triple-A Oklahoma City, via Bill Plunkett of the Southern California News Group:
He is scheduled to make another rehab start next week. Roberts said it hasn’t been determined yet whether Ryu will rejoin the Quakes or make his next start with Triple-A Oklahoma City.
Regardless of where he pitches, it will be a big test for Ryu considering he will likely build his pitch count up to at least five innings and 75 pitches.
If he comes out of the start feeling 100 percent healthy, then it is possible that his next outing after that could come at the big league level. The other option, which may be more likely given the Dodgers current excess of starting pitchers, would be a third rehab start to ensure full health.
Ryu has been unable to pitch out of the bullpen in the past due to his injury history that requires him extra time to warm up before taking the mound. So it will be interesting to see what role he plays for the Dodgers once he is able to return.
As part of our efforts to help you understand how we handle the personal information you share with us, and in preparation for the new European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), we’ve updated our Privacy & Cookies Policy. The updated Privacy & Cookies Policy will take effect on May 22, 2018. By using our services on or after that date, you’ll be agreeing to our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy. We recommend that you read our updated Privacy & Cookies Policy in full.
