Ryu unlikely to start before postseason

LOS ANGELES -- Manager Don Mattingly said on Tuesday that he'd be "a little surprised" if Hyun-Jin Ryu is able to pitch again before the postseason begins.

Ryu, who exited a Sept. 12 start against the Giants with inflammation in his left shoulder, has been playing catch, although he hasn't progressed to a mound. But assuming the Dodgers win the National League West, they won't need Ryu -- their No. 3 starter -- until Oct. 6, at the earliest.

"We're notching off-days here," Mattingly said. "I think we're pleased with the progress with Hyun-Jin and how he's doing, and he's moving forward and not having any complaints afterward. I'm happy with his progress."

Mattingly said that Ryu has been progressing well in his catches, throwing with increased distance and velocity.

This is Ryu's second bout with inflammation this season. He was on the disabled list from April 28 through May 21 with a similar injury, and he later missed 14 games with a strained right gluteus. An MRI on the shoulder revealed no structural damage.

If Ryu doesn't start again before the postseason, he'll finish the regular season with a 14-7 record and 3.38 ERA in 26 starts.