Hyun-Jin Ryu shoulder gets the OK; Yasiel Puig is out of lineup

Sometimes it’s just better to be cautious.

If flags went up when the Dodgers sent Hyun-Jin Ryu back to Los Angeles to have his sore shoulder examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Sunday, seems they were just being careful.

After being examined, no surgery was announced and no MRI test, either. Ryu’s original diagnosis of an inflamed shoulder was confirmed and Manager Don Mattingly told reporters in Washington that Ryu has been cleared to resume throwing Tuesday.

The Dodgers put Ryu on the 15-day disabled list Friday because of the inflamed shoulder.

The Dodgers have decided to also go the careful route with Yasiel Puig after he crashed hard into the outfield fence on the final play of Sunday’s game in Miami. Puig is not in the lineup Monday against the Washington Nationals.

Puig did not take batting practice or participate in any baseball activities Monday. Apparently, he did not suffer any particular injury. He was just battered and complained of a headache.

Mattingly said he expected to have Puig back Tuesday but wouldn’t eliminate the possibility that Puig could pinch-hit Monday.

Also, catcher A.J. Ellis, who had arthroscopic knee surgery April 4, ran the bases for a third consecutive day. He is expected to go to the team’s training complex in Arizona for an extended spring training or to a rehab assignment by the end of the week.