Dodgers News: Hyun-Jin Ryu Believes He Can Retake Rotation Spot

Hyun-Jin Ryu has fallen victim to the injury bug over the last two seasons, but he said he’s ready to complete his comeback.

Ryu knows he has to earn a spot in the loaded Dodgers rotation. He is up for that challenge, per Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.

Hyun-Jin Ryu said he is healthy/ready to resume spot in #Dodgers rotation at start of the season. Understands he has to prove himself again

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 19, 2017

Asked Hyun-Jin Ryu if there were times over past 2 years when he doubted he would make it back to pitch in MLB again: "No, not at all."

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 19, 2017

#Dodgers Hyun-Jin Ryu … throwing pic.twitter.com/pLas1yxRz6

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) February 19, 2017

Certainly, Ryu hasn’t lost his confidence. Recently returning from rehabbing in Japan, Ryu’s fastball hovered around the mid-80s in his first bullpen session.

A healthy Ryu would be a luxury. The Dodgers have Clayton Kershaw, Rich Hill, Kenta Maeda and Julio Urias to fill four rotation spots, though Maeda and Urias may face limitations, and Hill has an injury history. Ryu has made just one start in the last two seasons, and left that game with shoulder pain. He’s been slowly recovering from shoulder surgery in May 2015.

Ryu isn’t necessarily a sunk cost. Even if he doesn’t break into the rotation, he could find his niche as a reliever. When on the mound, Ryu has been a productive player. L.A. will just need to use him in ways best fit for a fragile pitcher.