“I don’t need to see it anymore”… Ryu Hyun-jin is close to returning, ‘5 innings, 80 pitches’ is the final challenge
“When he throws like that, I don’t need to see it.”
Toronto Blue Jays manager John Schneider has confirmed that veteran left-hander Hyun-jin Ryu, 36, is close to returning to the big leagues. Speaking to the media prior to the Blue Jays’ game against the San Diego Padres at home on Monday (Sept. 19), Schneider confirmed that Ryu is on track to make what is effectively his final rehab start.
Ryu will make one more start for the Buffalo Bisons, Toronto’s Triple-A affiliate, on April 22. Schneider’s final challenge for Ryu is to throw at least 80 pitches in five innings. If Ryu fulfills this requirement in his fourth rehab start, and his body remains healthy, we could see him on a major league mound soon.토토사이트
Ryu previously pitched in three minor league games between the Rookie League, Single-A, and Triple-A, allowing two runs on 12 hits with 11 strikeouts and four walks. In his last start, on April 16 against the Toledo BirdHens (Triple-A affiliate of Detroit), he pitched five innings of three-hit ball (one homer) with five strikeouts and one walk in an 8-2 win.
His command of his pitches has been consistently good, but what stood out in his last outing was the uptick in velocity. His fastball topped out at 89.8 mph (144.5 km/h) and averaged 87.9 mph (141.4 km/h). In his second outing, his fastball topped out at 88.4 mph (142 km/h) with an average velocity of 86.9 mph (140 km/h), which is an ideal velocity curve for a pitcher who has been criticized for needing to work on his conditioning a bit more.
Ryu Hyun-jin in a rehab start ⓒBuffalo Bisons SNS
Ryu made a rehab start in Single-A. Ryu signs an autograph for a fan. Dundalk Blue Jays SNS
After the game, MILB.com, the official website of the minor leagues, reported, “Ryu Hyun-jin, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2022, has recently been making rehabilitation appearances to return to the major leagues. His Triple-A start was fantastic.”
Just as important to Schneider as innings and pitches is control. “Toronto feels comfortable with Ryu’s velocity (87-88 mph), but would like to see it up a bit more,” said Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet, a Canadian outlet.
Ryu himself is pleased with the progress of his rehab start. After his third outing, he told the Toronto Star, “I feel like I can focus on what I need a little bit more now. I feel good that I’m executing as planned.”
Ryu has been rehabbing for about 13 months after undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. Toronto is in need of starting pitching reinforcements, and while Ryu’s progress has been positive, he is eager to get back on the big league mound. That’s why he’s been so dedicated to his rehabilitation, losing 13 kilograms of weight.
If he meets his 80-pitch goal, he could be back on the big league roster by the end of July. MLB.com’s Keegan Matheson emphasized the imminence of his return, saying, “If he’s on track to reach his goal of 85 pitches, it won’t be long before he’s back in Toronto.”