Ryu returns to LA to be examined by team surgeon

MIAMI -- Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu returned to Los Angeles on Sunday to have his left shoulder examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

Ryu was placed on the 15-day disabled list Friday with left shoulder blade inflammation that he experienced during his most recent start last Sunday in Los Angeles, when he allowed six runs in five innings.

Ryu said he experienced the same discomfort in the middle of his shoulder blade while pitching in Korea in 2011 and he was "back on track" in 10 days. On Friday, he said it already felt better than it did earlier in the week. A cross-country trip to the team surgeon could indicate otherwise.

Ryu was originally scheduled to start Sunday in Miami, but his spot was taken by callup Stephen Fife.

"It's still sore, and Stan [Conte, the trainer] came to the conclusion that there's no reason for him to go to D.C. and sit around three days without throwing," said manager Don Mattingly. "It makes sense. And if the doctor decides it needs to go anywhere further, he's right there."

Ryu is the ninth Dodger to be placed on the disabled list this year and the third (joining Clayton Kershaw and Brian Wilson) of those who pitched in the club's season-opening series in Australia.