Looking to have the best season of his young career with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Hyun-Jin Ryu was working out well in advance of pitchers and catchers reporting for Spring Training last year.
Unfortunately, Ryu’s 2015 season never got off the ground as he battled shoulder issues throughout camp and underwent surgery last May to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. The injury was one Ryu pitched with in 2013 and 2014, and was an issue the Dodgers were aware of when they signed the South Korean native.
Considering he missed all of last season, Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman named Ryu one of the club’s “wild cards” for 2016.
Ryu’s first time throwing after the surgery was last October, and he’s slowly made progress in his recovery since then.
Although pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training on Friday, the Dodgers are in no hurry to rush Ryu back to the mound.
However, the southpaw did throw a bullpen session on Thursday and remains pain-free, according to Alanna Rizzo of SportsNet LA:
.@HyunJinRyu99 isn't 100% according to Roberts. Threw 35 pitch pen yesterday. Optimistic about or yesterday. Says he's pain free.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 19, 2016
Ryu is pain free & will continue to work towards markers the training staff will set. #Dodgers will take long view. No rush or timeline.
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 19, 2016
Friedman and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts expect Ryu to start at least one Spring Training game, though are uncertain when that will take place:
Friedman & Roberts said @HyunJinRyu99 will pitch in #SpringTraining game(s) but no timeline for when. #Dodgers
— Alanna Rizzo (@alannarizzo) February 19, 2016
In two seasons with the Dodgers, Ryu is 28-15 with a 3.17 ERA, 2.97 FIP and 1.19 WHIP in 56 starts. Los Angeles is better equipped to withstand Ryu’s absence as the rotation features more depth than last year’s collection of starters.
