Korean Monster Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin (photo) has begun counting his return. He pitched three healthy innings in 13 months after his injury. The arrest has also been raised to a level similar to the level just before the surgery.
Ryu Hyun-jin started the game 메이저놀이터 against FCL Tigers, a rookie league team under the Detroit Tigers, at the Toronto Spring Camp facility in Dunedin on the 5th (Korea Standard Time). Before returning to the big leagues, it was to raise the pitching sense and check the physical condition.
It wasn’t a bad pitch. In the first inning, he allowed one run by allowing two consecutive doubles to the centerline, but he escaped the crisis by striking out a follow-up batter. He also hit one hit in the second and third innings, but did not give a point. The final result was four hits, five strikeouts and one run in three innings.
In particular, it was encouraging that the fastball was formed in the 140km/h range. Ryu Hyun-jin’s four-seam fastball went back and forth between 140 and 142 kilometers per hour. It was interpreted as meaning that his physical condition has risen to close to the average speed of 143.7 kilometers before injury last year.
Overall, the pitch on this day was enough to give a passing score. It was more so considering the long hiatus. The last time Ryu Hyun-jin threw a ball in a real game was against the Chicago White Sox on June 2 last year. At that time, he left the mound early complaining of pain and went to the operating table as it was.
The local community praised Ryu Hyun-jin’s pitching on the day and predicted that he would be able to return at the end of this month, which was previously announced. Canadian media SportsNet pointed out, “It is the best scenario to return after 12 months (after Tommy John surgery),” adding, “It usually takes about 14 months.”
Toronto is in fourth place in the American League East as of today. It is also two games behind the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees in the wild card competition. A rebound is urgently needed for the postseason.
Veteran Ryu Hyun-jin, who has experienced all sorts of hardships in Toronto, will return every year. Toronto, where ace Alec Manoa, who was nominated for the award last year, fell into a slump and the starting rotation shook its roots. If Ryu Hyun-jin plays a stable starting rotation position, it is worth aiming for a wild card position.