Dodgers News: Hyun-Jin Ryu Rehabbing in Japan

Hyun-Jin Ryu will be training in Japan before spring training, per his agency Seoul-based A-Spec Corp.

Ryu leaves Friday. He will work with Jang Min-jae of the Hanwha Eagles, a former teammate of the Korean Baseball Organization. The agency said Ryu will work out for three weeks to “get into better form” before February.

Ryu signed a six year, $36 million deal with the Dodgers after the 2012 season. His time on the mound has been limited the last couple years – he’s only made one start. He had shoulder surgery in May 2015 and hasn’t fully recovered yet. He crumbled in his only chance in 2016 (allowing six runs to the Padres in 4.2 innings) and shoulder pain prevented him from seeing another game.

A healthy Ryu could compete for the fifth starter spot, though counting on him in any capacity is optimism at its finest. Ryu might be best served in the bullpen with a long-relief role, but that’s contingent upon his recovery.