Ryu plays catch; bullpen session is next step

LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu resumed playing catch Friday for the first time since going on the disabled list April 28 with left shoulder blade inflammation.

Manager Don Mattingly said the easy throwing session went well and he was "confident" the left-hander's return would "go pretty quick" because he's "not having pain."

Ryu is eligible to return from the disabled list on Tuesday, but he will at least need to throw a bullpen session, if not a simulated game or rehab start, before he rejoins the Dodgers' rotation.

"He's pain free, and that's the best thing," said Mattingly. "There's no indication it's something serious. When he's able to throw a 'pen, he'll get right back on it."

Ryu played catch with Dan Haren, who is scheduled to start Monday. Haren has been dealing with back stiffness and did not participate in pitchers' fielding drills Friday, but Mattingly said Haren is "fine."

Mattingly also indicated that A.J. Ellis continued to work at the club's Arizona facility, catching seven innings Friday, getting a hit and getting hit by two pitches. Ellis will serve as designated hitter on Saturday and Mattingly said a Minor League rehab assignment could be next.