Dodgers News: Toenail Injury May Keep Ryu From Making His Next Start

After Zack Greinke was unable to make the trip to Australia after suffering a mild right calf strain, Hyun Jin-Ryu got the call to start the second game of the season behind Clayton Kershaw. The Korean left-hander stepped up to the plate, throwing five scoreless innings with five strikeouts and allowing only two hits. This performance allowed the Los Angeles Dodgers to sweep the Diamondbacks and they now remain undefeated for at least an entire week until they meet the Padres next Sunday.

Ryu also contributed offensively as he singled against Arizona’s Trevor Cahill and eventually scored during the Dodgers third inning run. Unfortunately, the starter seems to have suffered a toenail injury while running the bases and is unsure if he’ll be able to make his next scheduled start via Ken Gurnick of Dodgers.com:

The Dodgers are not sure if Ryu will be able to make his next start, which would most likely be a week from Wednesday in San Diego. Ryu split a toenail when slamming on the brakes after a late stop sign from third-base coach Lorenzo Bundy in the second inning of Sunday’s game.

As a pitcher, it’s understandable as to why Ryu may be unaccustomed to running the bases and why he may have struggled with Bundy’s late stop sign. Despite the injury, Ryu was able to successfully pitch through the following two innings. This led many to believe it was just a minor injury, but his split toenail bothered him on the mound.

Having to start the season without Ryu would be a detriment to the Dodgers rotation. Despite solid minor league outings, Greinke is still coming off a calf injury and Dan Haren has also been dealing with a tired arm. Additionally, Josh Beckett is starting the season on the disabled list, so the handful of injuries in the rotation pose a problem especially if Ryu has to miss a start. If this is the case, Paul Maholm would likely make a spot start in his place.

________________________________________________________________________________

ICYMI: Dee Gordon talked about the Dodgers trip to Australia, music and his postgame meal