The “Korean Monster,” Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays), will begin his return to the big league mound by pitching live.
Toronto media outlet Sportsnet reported on Thursday (June 14), citing Toronto manager John Schneider, that Ryu will pitch live this week.
Ryu has been rehabbing for a year after undergoing elbow ligament splicing surgery last June. He checked his condition through bullpen pitches last month, and is expected to make a decision on when to return to the major leagues through live pitching, which involves throwing balls with batters on base, and minor league appearances.토토사이트
So far, Ryu’s rehabilitation process hasn’t been too bad. Before leaving the United States in December last year, Ryu said he was aiming to return to the major leagues in July this year, and the possibility of his plan being implemented has increased.
While Sportsnet was not optimistic about Ryu’s projected performance this season, saying, “We don’t know if he will bounce back when he returns,” Toronto is in desperate need of a proven starting pitcher like Ryu.
Ryu will need to prove that he can still be competitive as a starter upon his return to the big leagues. The four-year, $80 million free agent contract he signed with Toronto ahead of the 2020 season expires at the end of this year.
The 2023 season will be crucial for Ryu, as he did not perform at a high level in 2021, his last full-time season, going 14-10 with a 4.37 ERA in 31 games.
Toronto is currently in fourth place in the American League East with a 37-30 record on the season.