“Korean Monster” Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto) said he hopes to “help the team win as a starting pitcher” ahead of his return to the big leagues after a year and two months.
Ryu threw a bullpen session at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Tuesday, completing his final checks for a start against Baltimore on March 2.
“I tried to regain my physical strength while recovering from the injury, and then I increased the number of pitches and innings,” he told Canadian media outlet TSN after the bullpen session. “It’s important not to get frustrated while rehabbing, and I think I did a good job.”
Ryu came off the mound after giving up three runs on five hits in four innings against the Chicago White Sox on June 2 last year, his last appearance before the injury, complaining of left elbow pain, and underwent ligament splicing surgery on June 19 that month, followed by a lengthy rehabilitation until recently.
He threw out of the bullpen for the first time since the surgery in May and has been taking steps toward a return to Major League Baseball (MLB), including minor league rehab appearances. Ryu made a start in a Triple-A game on April 22, throwing 85 pitches over six innings, allowing three hits (two homers), one walk and two runs. His fastball was up to 146 mph.
Toronto manager John Schneider, who watched Ryu pitch up close, said, “His feel for the game and his command of his pitches is unbelievable,” adding, 먹튀검증 “The speed of his recovery is impressive, but it’s not surprising because he’s always been a great player.”
Ryu’s next opponent will be the Baltimore Orioles, who are currently in first place in the American League East with a 63-41 record. Ryu’s return to Toronto’s starting rotation will help the Rays, who are third in the division, make a late-season push.
“As long as I do what I need to do as a starting pitcher, it doesn’t matter what team I’m facing,” Ryu said.