Hyun-jin Ryu throws bullpen session, getting closer to return

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers starter Hyun-jin Ryu threw a 40-pitch bullpen session on Tuesday at Dodger Stadium, his first time off a mound since getting placed on the disabled list with left shoulder inflammation.

Ryu threw all of his pitches, and is getting closer to a return to the Dodgers.

"We'll see how he comes out of that, and we'll see where we go from there," manager Don Mattingly said.

Ryu allowed six runs in four innings in a loss to the Rockies at Dodger Stadium on April 27, then five days later was placed on the disabled list. He normally doesn't throw bullpen sessions in between starts unless there is more than a week in between.

His next step is likely either a simulated game or a minor league rehab start before he can return to the Dodgers. Mattingly wants to make sure Ryu feels good after Tuesday's session before committing to the next step.

"Definitely he has to do something to get ready to be able to pitch here," Mattingly said. "Exactly what that will be, we have a pretty good idea but we want to wait until tomorrow."

The Dodgers have off days on Thursday and Monday, so Ryu could theoretically throw a simulated or rehab game over the weekend then slot into the Dodgers rotation at some point on their road trip either in New York or Philadelphia.