Hyun-jin Ryu pitched with torn labrum for two years

On Wednesday, we learned that Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander Hyun-jin Ryu — the team's No. 3 starter the past two seasons behind Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke — would be facing surgery on his ailing left shoulder and would likely miss the remainder of the 2015.

The news didn't come as a total shock to the general public. Ryu had been dealing with shoulder issues dating back to spring training with little to no consistent improvement. However, as we learned from Ryu himself on Friday, it came as no surprise at all to the Dodgers, because former general manager Ned Colletti actually signed Ryu in late 2012 already knowing he had a torn labrum.

That revelation sent shockwaves through Dodger Stadium that carried over into the social media realm throughout the Dodgers' 2-1 victory over the Padres. As many have noted, Colletti's willingness to sign Ryu for six years and $36 million, plus the $26 million posting fee, despite knowing the nature of his injury mirrors his decision to sign Jason Schmidt to a three-year deal worth $47 million guaranteed following the 2006 season.

Of course, the Ryu signing has already proven more productive. In two seasons, the now 28-year-old left-hander has made 56 starts and won 28 games while posting a 3.17 ERA in 344 innings.

Schmidt lasted just six starts in 2007 before undergoing shoulder surgery. He returned for four starts in 2009 but wasn't the same pitcher. He walked away for good after just four starts, meaning he pitched only 41 total innings for Los Angeles in three seasons and won just three games.

Colletti, who was the man behind both signings, was not available for comment to the Los Angeles media. He remains with the Dodgers as a senior adviser to team president Andrew Friedman.

Speaking through an interpreter on Friday, Ryu made it clear that it was his decision to continue pitching even though he was rarely without pain.

"I can't really pick a certain date [when I pitched pain free], but there were certain times without pain," Ryu said.

The possibility of surgery never really weighed on Ryu's mind, but the Dodgers had to know the likelihood was nearing with each start and each temporary setback he'd suffered. Now they'll have to hope Ryu can make a full and effective recovery, which is never guaranteed when a pitcher's shoulder is in question.

With Brandon McCarthy, who signed a four-year, $42 million deal in the offseason, out until mid-2016 following Tommy John surgery, and Greinke likely heading into free agency this winter, the Dodgers might need Ryu more than ever come April.