Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu dropped the words “spring training” — in English — into a discussion about his rehabilitation assignment on Sunday. The implication was clear, to a handful of Korean-language reporters and to the announced crowd of 3,122 at a game between the Dodgers’ and Angels’ Single-A affiliates at San Manuel Stadium in San Bernardino.
Ryu threw a mere two innings for Rancho Cucamonga. His fastball topped out at 89 mph according to one scout in attendance, and the left-hander estimated his effort as “60 to 70 percent.” Ryu even threw an extra 10 pitches in the bullpen to meet his assigned quota.