The Dodgers got an encouraging start from Hyun-Jin Ryu last night against the Giants. After missing 3 1/2 months with a “strained” groin, he came back and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat.
For all the hand-wringing folks did at the trade deadline — some deserved, some not — getting Ryu back this month is like adding a mid-rotation starter for the stretch run. His return has allowed the Dodgers to move Kenta Maeda and Ross Stripling to the bullpen, even if Maeda’s first outing didn’t go as planned and Stripling is currently on the disabled list.