The time for Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto), a “Korean monster,” to return is approaching. It is also an important moment for the extension of his big league career in the future.
On the 16th스포츠토토 (Korean time), Toronto general manager Ross Atkins said, “Ryu Hyun-jin will be able to play against batters next month.” content was conveyed.
Ryu Hyun-jin is currently focusing on his rehabilitation at the club’s spring camp facility located in Dunedin, Florida, USA. Recently, Ryu Hyun-jin is said to have started pitching in the bullpen with right-hander Chad Green. It was the beginning of his full-fledged return to action after Tommy John surgery (elbow ligament splicing surgery).
He is Ryu Hyun-jin, who is still building his body smoothly. He was concentrating on recovery after being on the operating table in June of the same year. When he joined the spring camp in February, while showing off his solid body, fans showed a mixed reaction of anticipation through social media, such as “the calves are huge.” Atkins’ general manager also expressed satisfaction at the time, saying, “Rehabilitation is going well.”
According to MLB.com, Ryu Hyun-jin said, “I think the ideal (return) time is mid-July. I will continue to rehabilitate until then so that I can compete.” I hope there is,” he said. As general manager Atkins said, if he can start fighting in June, he can return to his goal in July.
If he can return to normal, Ryu Hyun-jin is expected to join the starting rotation. According to the Canadian media Toronto Sun, Toronto coach John Schneider said before the season, “I don’t know how long it will take, but if Ryu Hyun-jin returns, he will give up a starting spot.” It is like the ‘return of the king’ by Ryu Hyun-jin, who kept Toronto’s rotation for two years from 2020.
Hyunjin Ryu. /AFPBBNews=News1
Ryu Hyun-jin, who joined Toronto in 2020, is already ahead of the final season of his FA (free agent) contract. Having signed a four-year, $80 million contract, he was ranked third in the American League Cy Young Award with a 2.69 ERA in 2020, a shortened 60-game season. Following this, he performed well in 2021 as well, winning 14 wins. However, last year, his physical condition deteriorated, and he went 2-0 without defeat with an ERA of 5.67.
At the time of Tommy John surgery, there was also a pessimistic prospect that he would not be able to return during the remainder of his contract, but Ryu Hyun-jin is ahead of the ‘Last Dance’. In particular, in order to continue his major league career, his performance in the second half is desperately needed.
Recently, major league players such as Jacob deGrom (35, Texas Rangers), Darvish Yu (37, San Diego), and Max Scherzer (39, New York Mets) are also giving high-priced contracts to players in their late 30s or older. Even Justin Verlander (40), who underwent Tommy John surgery at the age of 37, also signed a contract with the New York Mets for up to three years. Ryu Hyun-jin can also win a good contract as long as his health is guaranteed in the future.
Ryu Hyun-jin, who stepped on the big league stage with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2013, has won 75 career victories until last year. If he wins 25 more in the coming future, he can step on the 100th win in the big league career as the second Korean after Park Chan-ho (50). The second half of this season for Ryu Hyun-jin is more important than ever to extend his career and achieve great records.