Local media reacted with mixed feelings to Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays) after his first live game in a long time.
Ryu started a game against the FCL Tigers of the minor league Rookie League on Friday (June 5) at Toronto’s spring training facility in Dunedin, Florida, and allowed one run on four hits with five strikeouts in three innings.
It’s been about a year and a month since Ryu pitched in a major league home game against the Chicago White Sox on June 2 last year.
The local media was also very interested in Ryu’s appearance.메이저놀이터
“Ryu’s first rehab start was pretty good,” Scott Mitchell, a reporter for Canadian outlet TSN, wrote on social media, “He looked very good and threw 87-88 mph (about 140-142 kilometers) on the day.”
“Hyun-jin Ryu pitched in the minors today, his first start since Tommy John surgery and an important step (toward a return to the big leagues),” MLB.com’s Toronto reporter Keegan Matheson wrote.
“Going into 2023, I felt like it was a bonus to have him contribute to the team, but now I feel like he’s going to be able to pitch big innings.”
As he takes the final steps to return to the big leagues, Ryu will now work on gradually increasing his pitch count. It’s possible we could see him throw a ball in a major league game as early as July.
Toronto, which has been struggling with its starting pitching this season, received a breath of fresh air with the return of Alec Manoa, who has been struggling. Add in Ryu Hyun-jin and you have the makings of a late-season comeback.
For Ryu, whose four-year contract with Toronto expires at the end of the season, it’s crucial that he performs well in his return to the majors.