The Los Angeles Dodgers began the 2016 season counting on the eventual returns of Brett Anderson, Brandon McCarthy and Hyun-Jin Ryu, among others. Each of the starting pitchers at some point came off the disabled list, but it hasn’t been without issue.
Ryu was the first of the aforementioned trio to be put back on the DL, McCarthy was next as he’s dealing with right hip stiffness, and Anderson’s 2016 debut lasted all of one inning due a mild left wrist sprain.
While Ryu overcame surgery to repair the torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, left elbow tendinitis is what’s sidelined him.
The Dodgers transferred the southpaw to the 60-day disabled list, which made Sept. 6 the earliest date Ryu could be activated. Although it wasn’t stated at the time, the paper move was a large hint the 29-year-old was in danger of missing the remainder of the season.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts confirmed as much on Thursday, when he said Ryu has yet to throw a baseball and is not expected to return in 2016, according to Bill Plunkett of the OC Register:
Dave Roberts said Hyun Jin Ryu has not picked up baseball since elbow pain flared up in mid July and is not expected back this season
— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) August 18, 2016
Ryu made just one start after being reinstated from the 60-day DL, allowing six runs on eight hits in just 4.2 innings pitched. He pitched better than stats would suggest, but fatigue eventually set in.
The latest injury falls in line with what’s been a recurring theme. Ryu was initially projected to return from shoulder surgery by Spring Training but that was delayed and his recovery included multiple setbacks.
Ryu has two years remaining on a six-year, $36 million contract he signed in December 2012. The Dodgers are expecting to add Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood to their rotation, or in Wood’s case, the bullpen, at some point in September.
