Hyun-Jin Ryu to Have MRI on Groin Injury Suffered vs. Diamondbacks

Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu left Wednesday's start against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field because of a left groin strain, according to the Los Angeles Times' Andy McCullough.

Ryu—who had allowed one hit and one walk while striking out two in 1.1 innings—had gotten ahead of Arizona third baseman Deven Marrero in the second inning before Pedro Baez replaced him.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts told reporters Ryu would have an MRI on the injury, which he described as a "pretty good" strain.

This is just the latest injury for the 31-year-old. He missed the entire 2015 season because of a torn labrum after dealing with shoulder tightness the season before, and he was limited to just one start in 2016 because of shoulder surgery and left elbow tendinitis. Last season, he made multiple trips to the disabled list as the result of a hip contusion and a foot injury.

Ryu made 30 starts as a rookie in 2013, but he has not made more than 26 starts in a season since.

The southpaw was off to a great start this season, going 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and .152 batting average against in his first five starts. After allowing three runs in 3.2 innings in his season debut, he had allowed just four runs over 24.2 innings in four outings.

Ryu's performance this season has made him a key complement to Clayton Kershaw at the front of the rotation. In fact, he had a lower ERA (2.22) than Kershaw (2.86) at the time of his latest injury.

The reigning National League champs have gotten off to a disappointing start. At 12-17, the Dodgers are in fourth place in the NL West and are already nine games back of the Diamondbacks just more than one month into the season.

If the groin strain proves to be more than a day-to-day issue, it would be the second time already this month Los Angeles was hit hard by the injury bug. Earlier this week, it was announced star shortstop Corey Seager would need Tommy John surgery and would miss the remainder of the season.

Veteran Rich Hill is already on the disabled list with left middle finger inflammation. If Ryu is out long term, look for 23-year-old prospect Walker Buehler to see more MLB action.