Jansen opposes hitters; Ryu nearing same step

LOS ANGELES -- Injured Dodgers closer Kenley Jansen faced live hitting Tuesday for the first time since February foot surgery and will begin a Minor League rehab assignment Friday.

Starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu, also on the disabled list, threw a bullpen session as well Tuesday, and manager Don Mattingly said Ryu will have another bullpen session Friday, after which he might face hitters. Being a starting pitcher, Ryu will need to build arm strength for a 100-pitch outing and will need a longer rehab than Jansen.

Jansen, who had a benign growth removed from his left foot just before Spring Training started, threw 20 pitches to Joc Pederson and Yasmani Grandal. He said he was clocked as high as 96 mph and his foot felt fine.

Jansen said he remains on schedule for a mid-May return. He expects to throw six or seven innings in Minor League games like a regular Spring Training, but will not be covering first base until the very end.

The Dodgers have been closing by committee through April. Joel Peralta, who leads the club with three saves, is on the disabled list with a pinched nerve in his neck. Yimi Garcia and Chris Hatcher also have saves.

Ryu threw 25 pitches and said he is "not too worried" about his shoulder impingement flaring up again. He said the season-ending injury to fellow starter Brandon McCarthy doesn't change the pace of his rehab.