Hyun-jin Ryu to have MRI exam in LA, Wednesday start doubtful

What was fairly obvious after Friday's injury and postgame comments, Dodgers starter Hyun-jin Ryu is officially listed as doubtful for his next scheduled start. Manager Don Mattingly told reporters on Saturday in San Francisco that Ryu would fly to Los Angeles for a Monday MRI exam on his left shoulder.

If the high likelihood of Ryu not starting comes to pass, Carlos Frias will take his place and start in Wednesday afternoon's series finale against the Rockies at Coors Field.

Ryu saw ElAttrache, will have MRI Monday in LA.

— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) September 13, 2014

Mattingly: Ryu "doubtful" for next start.

— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) September 13, 2014

Ryu "doubtful" for next start. Frias likely to start in his place.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) September 13, 2014

#Dodgers Hyun Jin Ryu was examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache today. Will fly back to LA for MRI Monday.

— Bill Plunkett (@billplunkettocr) September 13, 2014

Frias, 24, has a 3.91 ERA in 11 appearances in the last month for the Dodgers, with 18 strikeouts and just four walks in 25⅓ innings. Ten of his appearances have been in relief, and in his one spot start, on Sep. 3 against the Nationals, he pitched six scoreless innings in a no-decision.

The only question remaining is just how long Ryu will be out, after pitching just one inning Friday night. Ryu missed 20 games and 22 days on the disabled list with left shoulder inflammation in April and May, and told reporters on Friday night his shoulder felt similar to that injury. Such a timetable would wipe out any remaining regular season starts for Ryu, and would put the possibility of any playoff starts in jeopardy.

But we will wait until the MRI results from Monday to see just how serious this injury is.