Hyun-Jin Ryu on track to rejoin Dodgers next week

PHOENIX -- Hyun-Jin Ryu threw a four-inning simulated game Friday and could be on track to return next week.

“It went really well,” Manager Don Mattingly said.

Mattingly wouldn’t say what the Dodgers have planned next for Ryu, but made it sound as if he could rejoin the rotation without pitching in the minor leagues first.

Part of that is because of how sharp Ryu looked in a recent bullpen session.

“His ‘pen the other day was just ridiculous,” Mattingly said. “A guy who hadn’t thrown in 12 days throws the ball wherever he wants.”

Ryu, who has been sidelined since April 28 because of shoulder inflammation, figures to pitch in place of Paul Maholm.

Maholm’s next turn in the rotation falls on Wednesday, when the Dodgers are scheduled to face the New York Mets at Citi Field.