Hyun-Jin Ryu Throws Simulated Game, On Track For NLDS Game 3
While the Dodgers are in better health than they were in last year’s postseason run, they still are facing some injury concerns. Dee Gordon is battling, or recovering from hip irritation that led to his removal Sept. 27 and Hyun-Jin Ryu hasn’t pitched in a game since only lasting one inning Sept. 12.
Ryu’s night was cut short due to irritation in his throwing shoulder and the left-hander has been on a steady road to recovery since. After receiving a cortisone shot and undergoing an MRI, Ryu was temporarily shut down before beginning a sub-maximal throwing program.
On Wednesday, Ryu advanced to throwing a simulated game during a workout that was closed to the media. The Dodgers announced he didn’t suffer any setbacks and will be re-examined Thursday:
Dodger left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu threw a 45 pitch, 3.0-inning simulated game this afternoon on the mound at Dodger Stadium. Ryu was at his normal velocity and used all of his pitches with no problems before, during or after with his shoulder. He will be re-examined tomorrow to determine how the shoulder responded. Ryu faced several Dodger hitters, including Matt Kemp, Yasiel Puig, Andre Ethier, Carl Crawford, Dee Gordon and Scott Van Slyke.
As was the case when Ryu worked his way back from shoulder inflammation earlier in the year, he’s yet to experience any setbacks during his respective recoveries. Assuming the same will hold true, Ryu presumably will be scheduled for a start on Oct. 6 in Game 3 of the NL Division Series.
Manager Don Mattingly expressed confidence in Ryu being capable of pitching in a live game without any form of a regular-season tuneup and the pitcher’s track record supports his manager’s belief.
Upon returning in May from shoulder inflammation, Ryu earned a win in four consecutive starts. A start on Oct. 6 would pit Ryu against a team whom he is 2-1 against with a 1.50 ERA in three career starts.
