Jae-Kuk

Ryu

Ryu was picked over reliever Glendon Rusch. He could remain in the rotation until Mark Prior returns in mid-June, but he shouldn’t be picked up in NL-only leagues.

The Cubs will now go with Glendon Rusch as their fifth starter until Mark Prior returns. If Ryu gets another chance this year, he’ll likely be used as a reliever.

Ryu was shelled in his major league debut against the Braves on Sunday giving up six runs in 1 1/3 innings. Glendon Rusch will take Ryu spot in the rotation and David Aardsma will be called up from Triple-A Iowa to help the bullpen.

Ryu will make his first major league start Sunday against the Braves.

On the plus side, Ryu didn’t walk a batter. However, that four of the seven hits he gave up went over the outfield wall was a bit of a problem. The club was going to give him a chance to earn a rotation spot, but he was so overmatched today they may abort that plan. Glendon Rusch could go into the Cubs’ rotation if they decide to demote Ryu.

Ryu, who flopped in his lone start for the Cubs back in May, is likely to be used in middle relief for now. He was 7-7 with a 3.50 ERA, 113 H and 105/46 K/BB in 123 1/3 IP for Iowa.

Ryu gave up one run during an inning of work with the Cubs earlier this month. He is 2-3 with 3.16 ERA for Triple-A Iowa this season.

Ryu, who started two games for the Cubs this season, is expected to miss several weeks. He is unlikely to start for the Cubs again this season, but could provide some help in the bullpen in August.

Ryu knocked an osprey from its perch during pregame practice Monday night. Apparently it was an intentional move, so Ryu could face actual charges and receive additional punishment from the Cubs. ''I can assure you it would be more than the average citizen will receive,’' Cubs farm director Oneri Fleita said. ''The average citizen certainly wouldn’t be demoted or docked pay or fined or whatever it might be. It was certainly something we don’t condone, and we will make sure that the matter is rectified to the best of our ability.’'

Ryu was demoted because of an incident in April in which he injured a protected bird with a thrown baseball. It’s uncertain whether he’ll be left in the Midwest League all season. From a baseball standpoint, he belongs in the Florida State League, where he had a 3.05 ERA in four starts before the demotion.