Hyun-Jin Ryu’s status for playoffs still up in the air

Hyun-Jin Ryu threw off the mound Friday for the first time since hurting his shoulder two weeks ago. But after the 20-pitch session, the Dodgers still aren’t convinced the left-hander will be able to pitch in the playoffs.

“It’s hard to say it lines [him] up for anything at this moment. But he’s moving in the right direction,” Manager Don Mattingly said. “He’s got a few other hurdles to cross.”

Ryu had no trouble with his fastball Friday but he bounced his breaking pitches, which is a concern. Mattingly said if the pitcher is pain-free Saturday, he will play catch and then throw a “max” bullpen session Sunday before the final game of the regular season.

If Ryu makes it through all that, the Dodgers would probably have him pitch a simulated game next week before deciding whether he can start Game 3 of the National League division series, scheduled for Monday, Oct. 6.

“All of those things still have to be crossed off,” Mattingly said. “So we have to plan accordingly. With him, without him, if he starts, if he can’t. All of those factors are still kind of up in the air.

“And that’s just going to depend on what happens over these next few days.”

If Ryu (14-7, 3.38 earned-run average) can’t go, the Dodgers probably would move Dan Haren up a day and have him start Game 3, then use Clayton Kershaw on short rest in Game 4, if that game is necessary.