LOS ANGELES -- The status of Hyun-jin Ryu's cracked toenail will determine two-thirds of the Dodgers starting rotation for their three-game series against the Padres in San Diego.
Ryu felt better after testing his toe with dry work and playing catch on Wednesday, and if healthy will get the start for the Dodgers in the series opener on Sunday night.
"He came out of yesterday feeling positive. That being said, he's going to throw a bullpen tomorrow," manager Don Mattingly said. "We can't know 100% where we're going to go until how we find out how that goes."
Ryu as a general practice doesn't throw bullpen sessions in between starts unless he has extra rest. If he is unable to pitch on Sunday, the start will go to Dan Haren.
"We should know by Friday how Hyun-jin is, and that would change how we use Danny," Mattingly said. "Danny knows where we're at. He's feeling ready either way."
Haren last started on Monday in a minor league game at Camelback Ranch. If Ryu is cleared to start Sunday, the plan is for Haren to start on Saturday against the Angels in Anaheim in a shortened affair, then start against the Padres in the series finale on Wednesday.
If Haren has to start Sunday, the starter for Wednesday is up in the air at this point. The Dodgers will know more on Clayton Kershaw, who was scratched from the Sunday start with back tightness, after he throws this weekend. Paul Maholm is another option.
Zack Greinke, starting tonight against the Angels, starts on Tuesday in San Diego.
As for the remainder of the Freeway Series, look for a minor leaguer to start Friday and possibly Saturday. Zach Lee is in the mix, as are Matt Magill and Stephen Fife, both of whom are expected to join the team by tomorrow.
Pitchers in uniform for the Dodgers from the minor league side on Thursday include Sam Demel, Lee and Red Patterson.