Hyun-Jin Ryu cleared to start Game 3 of NLDS for Dodgers

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu has been cleared to start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told reporters Thursday.

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu has been cleared to start Game 3 of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals, Dodgers manager Don Mattingly told reporters Thursday. 

Ryu hasn't pitched in a game since Sept. 12 with shoulder inflammation, the second time he has suffered the injury this season. He threw 45 pitches in a three-inning simulated game at Dodger Stadium on Thursday and was cleared by team physicians.

"I'd say it feels a little different than the last time," Ryu said through an interpreter, according to ESPN.com. "In fact, I feel much better than the last time this injury happened."

The Dodgers will go with a rotation of ace Clayton Kershaw on Friday, Zack Greinke in Game 2, Ryu in Game 3, and possibly Dan Haren in Game 4. The team could decide to bring back Kershaw on three days' rest in lieu of Haren.

Ryu was a key cog in the Dodgers' stellar rotation this season, going 14-8 with a 3.37 ERA. He had 139 strikeouts in 152 innings.

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