Dodgers left-hander Hyun-jin Ryu made his second rehab start with the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes on Friday evening at LoanMart Field. And though the box score shows that he allowed 3 runs (one earned) on three hits (including two home runs) with one strikeout in his three innings pitched, the 29-year-old Incheon, South Korea native is pleased with his 44-pitch outing.

“Overall I felt great. It’s more of building up my pitching count,” Ryu said through an interpreter. “I felt more confident than last time. It was great, I had a good time.”

Ryu believes that he’ll be ready to rejoin the Dodgers once he reaches the five-inning mark in his rehab starts. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Ryu’s fastball hovered around the 87-88 MPH range and his curveball in the 72-76 MPH range with good movement. Even though this is considerably lower than the 93-94 MPH he threw prior to his shoulder surgery exactly one year ago today, he isn’t concerned about his velocity.

“I pitched two games so far and my curveball and other pitches are coming along. As the time goes on it’s going to get better,” said Ryu. “As far as the velocity and all, it’s going to come along.”

Ryu is confident that his velocity will improve with each successive start.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Through his first two rehab starts Ryu is 0-1 with a 1.80 ERA and 1.40 WHIP. He has struck out two while allowing no walks in his 5.0 innings pitched.

When asked if he knew where his next rehab start was going to be, Ryu kidded with reporters. “Yes, I know.” And though he wouldn’t come right out and say where it would be, he did say where it wouldn’t be.

“Somewhere a little farther than here.”