Dodgers News: Gordon, Ryu Confident They Will Be Ready For NLDS
Matt Kemp was lost for the playoffs with an ankle injury, while Andre Ethier was limited with an ankle injury of his own. That forced Skip Schumaker into the starting center field position for a couple games. In the NLCS, the Dodgers lost the effectiveness of Hanley Ramirez after he broke a rib from a hit by pitch. This year, the Dodgers have questions an a couple key players heading into their NLDS matchup with the St. Louis Cardinals.
Left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu went down with an irritated shoulder and has been working to be able to pitch in the postseason. It seems as if Ryu will be able to pitch in the NLDS via Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Ryu said he is optimistic he will be ready for the playoffs.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) September 28, 2014
Ryu threw a bullpen on Sunday and reported no pain following the session. The left-hander missed time with the injury earlier this season, but the past three weeks of rest may have him ready to go.
Also, All-Star second baseman Dee Gordon has been dealing with some hip irritation. He underwent an MRI, but seems to be fine according to Don Mattingly:
Mattingly said he is optimistic Gordon will play Friday.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) September 28, 2014
Gordon has been a spark at the top of the Dodgers lineup this season, leading the team and the league in stolen bases, triple and infield hits. He also led the Dodgers in runs scored and will be counted on to do more of the same in the playoffs.
It’s the time of the year where everyone is dealing with bumps and bruises and the Dodgers will have to fight through it in order to deliver a World Series championship.