Hyun-jin Ryu throws bullpen session, behind schedule by design

PHOENIX -- Hyun-jin Ryu threw 30 pitches in his first official bullpen session of camp, though he has also thrown a few before pitchers and catchers reported, including a bullpen session last Thursday. That session last week, like Monday, was at decreased intensity.

Manager Dave Roberts reiterated what he said last Friday, that the Dodgers would take it slow with Ryu.

"The next step for Ryu is just to to increase intensity and volume. He's behind, by design, in the sense that we don't want to push things," Roberts said. "To expect him to throw 200 innings coming off surgery is unrealistic.

"I'd say [Ryu is] a couple weeks [behind] is fair, give or take a couple weeks. It's so hard to say."

The good news came Tuesday, with no extra soreness or pain the day after throwing.

"There is just the normal soreness, which is very encouraging," Roberts added Tuesday. "The volume and intensity was up, so we're all pretty encouraged."

Ryu threw all fastballs on Monday, and that will continue to be the plan, at least until he is back at or near 100-percent velocity.

"Initially we want to up the volume, but there is really no hard date [to throw off speed stuff]," Roberts said. "As it stands now, the priority is just upping the volume."

Ryu being ready for opening day is still possible, though it doesn't seem like the club would go out of its way to rush him back.

"I'll just have to see how it goes," Ryu said.