Hyun-Jin Ryu is expected to return from shoulder labrum surgery in spring training. (Associated Press photo)

This is Part 47 of a series in which every member of the 2015 Dodgers has his season juxtaposed with an episode of the greatest sitcom of all-time. Don’t take it too seriously.

Hyun-Jin Ryu, SP

Key stats: 0 G

Seinfeld episode: “The Chinese Restaurant” (Season 2, Episode 11)

Key quote: “Alright, listen, alright. How much longer is it gonna be?”

Hyun-Jin Ryu made two starts in spring training last March. He faced six batters in the first game and retired them all. He pitched three innings in the second game and allowed three runs. Afterward, he reported discomfort in his left shoulder and didn’t pitch another competitive inning all season.

What happened?

As it turns out, Ryu had a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder from the day he signed with the Dodgers in 2012. He didn’t volunteer that information to the media (and by extension, the public) until May of last year, when Dr. Neal ElAttrache told him that season-ending surgery was inevitable. At the time Ryu said it was the first time he’d been told surgery would be inevitable, so maybe it all came as a surprise to the pitcher just as much as his fans. He had the labrum-repair procedure on May 21, about six weeks into the season.

Ryu didn’t begin a throwing program until early October. He recently progressed to throwing off a mound, and aims to be ready for the beginning of the regular season.

The waiting game for Ryu in 2015 ultimately proved fruitless. Seinfeld somehow made an entire episode out of waiting … for your name to be called at a restaurant. Thirty minutes of standing around. It was a classic.

So, how much can happen while you’re waiting around at a restaurant?