As expected, it’s a Korean monster. Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays) changed his team’s trade plan from his first appearance in 398 days.
Ryu Hyun-jin made his first rehabilitation appearance in a rookie league game against the “2023 Minor League” FCL Tigers 토토사이트순위 (minor league team under the Detroit Tigers) at the spring camp training facility in Toronto, Florida, on the 5th. On this day, he took the mound for the first time in 398 days with his first actual pitch since he underwent Tommy John Surgery (elbow ligament reconstruction surgery) last year.
Even after a long time, Ryu Hyun-jin drew attention with a stable pitch. He hit 13 batters with 42 balls, recording 4 hits, 4 walks, 5 strikeouts, and 1 run in 3 innings. The maximum speed is 89 miles per hour (about 141.6 kilometers) and is gradually improving. If the rest of the rehabilitation stage goes without any problems, he will return to the Major League at the end of this month.
Toronto can revitalize the starting lineup with Ryu Hyun-jin’s return. Currently, the team’s starting lineup includes four professional starters, Kevin Gausman (32), Jose Berrios (29), Chris Bathit (34), and Yusei Kikuchi (32), and the empty fifth starting position is operated as bullpen day. Young-gun Alec Manoa (25) is scheduled to return to the big leagues after a period of adjustment in the minor leagues, but there are questions about whether he has improved his performance this season, which had been shaking rapidly.
As this situation continues, Canadian local media, including “Sports Net,” recently stressed the need to strengthen Toronto’s starting lineup and mentioned the possibility of trade. In fact, specific candidates such as Ben Lively (31, Cincinnati Reds) and Chase Anderson (36, Colorado Rockies), who played for the Samsung Lions in the KBO League in the 2019-2021 season, were mentioned, raising the trade atmosphere.
However, as Ryu Hyun-jin is scheduled to return healthy, trade rumors will subside. “Ryu Hyun-jin and Manoa can change Toronto’s trade plan,” wrote the U.S. sports media Yahoo Sports.
The team is currently running the starting rotation with four starters, but ultimately wants to have six starters. The two empty seats will be reserved for Manoa, who will regain his skills, and Ryu Hyun-jin, who will return healthy.
The media said, “Ryu Hyun-jin will join the starting lineup at the end of this month if there is no disruption (rehabilitation). “We can achieve our goal of returning to the big leagues after the All-Star break,” he said. “Ryu Hyun-jin showed his intention to return as a starting pitcher later in the season by losing 30 pounds (about 13.6kg). It is unlikely to be used as a multi-inning bullpen pitcher or a long relief. “Toronto’s six-start operation will provide enough rest for all starting pitchers,” he said.
Ryu Hyun-jin has been raising expectations that he will play his part in the starting lineup with impressive pitching since his first appearance in rehabilitation.
“I thought Ryu Hyun-jin’s pitch would be a bonus for the team at the start of the 2023 season, but now I think he can take on quite important innings,” said Kegan Matheson, a Toronto reporter in charge of Toronto on the Major League’s official website “MLB.com .”
Will Ryu Hyun-jin, who showed his presence from his first appearance, be able to lead his team to the postseason. I wonder if he will be able to put wings on the Toronto mound as he is about to return after 13 months.