Dodgers' Ryu 'a stretch' to start Monday

The Los Angeles Dodgers aren't likely to have left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu on the mound Monday when they open up a crucial three-game series against their division rival the San Francisco Giants.

Ryu, who is dealing with inflammation in his throwing shoulder, experienced a travel delay on his way to meet the team in Chicago, and is now considered "a stretch" to make his next start, according to Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times.

Manager Don Mattingly refused to speculate earlier this week when asked when he believed Ryu would return to the mound. The Dodgers are expected to proceed cautiously, considering the 27-year-old missed 20 games in May with the same injury.

Ryu, if healthy, is likely the Dodgers third starter in the team's playoff rotation behind Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke.