Hyun-jin Ryu made his first step towards returning to the Dodgers rotation Sunday, tossing two innings for Class-A Rancho Cucamonga on a rehab assignment.
Ryu last pitched in a game on March 17, 2015 before having his 2015 season wiped out with surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder. His last pitched game that counted was Game 3 of the 2014 NLDS.
The lefty made a total of 22 pitches (19 strikes), allowing only a single while striking out two and walking none. Ryu threw 10 more pitches in the bullpen after his day was done.
"It feels great," Ryu said through a translator. "I feel stronger as I continue to build my pitch count."
The 29-year-old said the shoulder isn't holding him back and he has moved past the setbacks he experienced in spring training.
The velocity on the fastball stayed between 85 to 87 mph throughout the short start. Ryu isn't concerned with velocity, saying he threw about 60 to 70 percent of max effort and is treating the rehab process like spring training as he slowly ramps up his arm strength.
Ryu will make at least four more starts in the minor leagues, making his next start on Friday for Rancho.
Alex Guerrero is also still rehabbing with Rancho, finishing 1-for-4 with a single on the day.