Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu is expected to set a return date during next week’s four-game homestand against the Baltimore Orioles.
In an article titled “Ryu’s return nears, affects Blue Jays’ trade plans,” Canadian outlet Sportsnet reported on Aug. 28 (ET) that “Ryu, who spent more than 13 months rehabbing after undergoing Tommy John surgery, could be pitching as early as next week when Baltimore visits Rogers Centre.
After throwing four rehabilitation pitches in the minors in July, Ryu joined the big league squad at Dodger Stadium on July 25 and threw a bullpen session in front of manager John Schneider on July 27. All that’s left is live pitching against hitters, and if that doesn’t happen, a return to the big leagues.
Toronto opens a three-game series at home against the Los Angeles Angels on July 29-31 and a four-game series at home against Baltimore on August 1-4. Against the Angels, Kevin Gausman, Alec Manoa, and Jose Berrios will start in that order.
The Jays will use a six-man rotation during this stretch, as they will play 17 straight games without a day off until Aug. 14. Gaussman, who starts against the Angels on July 29, could be followed by Ryu on Aug. 3 against Baltimore.
Ryu is also exuding confidence in his impending return. Speaking to local media upon his arrival at Dodger Stadium, he said, “My rehab after the surgery went well. My command and velocity are pretty good. My velocity is steadily increasing every time I pitch. I’m getting the velocity I need. At the same time, my command is good, so I’m satisfied.”
Ryu’s stuff is self-explanatory. Over 18 innings in four rehab starts, he allowed 13 hits and one walk while striking out 16. In his most recent outing, a Triple-A game on April 22, he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over six innings. At the time, his fastball was up to 90.8 mph and averaging 88.4 mph.
Ryu said, “I want to do my part as a starter, and I’ve been preparing well, and I’m ready. Whatever the team wants, I’ll do what it takes to win,” he said. “All the players are really trying their best. I want to be a part of that team and help them win.”
The last time Ryu pitched in the big leagues was on June 2 last year against the Chicago White Sox at Rogers Centre. After leaving the mound with elbow pain, Ryu received his first professional Tommy John surgery on June 19 in Los Angeles under the care of Dr. Neil Ellatrache.온라인바카
In May, when he began pitching in full rehabilitation, he said he was “aiming to return in July,” but that’s about a week off.
This is the final season of his four-year, $80 million free agent contract. It will be interesting to see if Ryu, who is expected to make 10 or 11 appearances over the rest of the season, will make another splash in free agency.
