“Can we really, really expect him to magically come back after surgery and a year-plus of recovery?”
Ryu Hyun-jin, 36, recently joined the Toronto Blue Jays roster. On Sept. 26 (ET), Ryu was interviewed by local reporters. According to MLB.com Toronto reporter Keegan Madison’s Twitter account, Ryu has lost a significant amount of weight.스포츠토토
MLB.com wrote, “Ryu’s stride is unmistakable. It’s like something in between a shuffler and a Wild West gunslinger riding into town with his arms swinging wildly from his body.” “The only thing missing is 20 percent of him,” he added.
And by 20 percent, we mean diet. “He’s in better shape physically, having lost a significant amount of weight while rehabbing from Tommy John surgery,” MLB.com said. “Most pitchers are hesitant to give a return date, saying they’re just focused on checking the boxes and following the team’s plan. But not Ryu.”
Ryu made it clear that he wanted to return after the All-Star break. He told MLB.com, “From the beginning, I thought it would be ideal to come back after the All-Star break and be able to be part of the team in the second half of the season. That’s my goal. I’ll schedule my schedule accordingly.”
The All-Star break is July 11-14. Toronto opens the second half of the season with a three-game series at home against the Arizona Diamondbacks starting July 15. Ryu could return as early as July 15. Of course, his minor league rehab start in June is important. He has to not get sick again, and we have to see what he has to offer. Regardless, Ryu’s willingness to return and bounce back is significant.
According to MLB.com, Ryu recently pitched out of the bullpen at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Toronto pitchers reportedly applauded him after seeing him pitch. Ryu said, “I wanted to keep in touch with all the players and people on my team. I haven’t seen them since spring training, and it feels really good. They help me get my energy back,” he said.
MLB.com believes it’s important for Ryu to regain the power of his changeup. He said he’s on the right track. “I started throwing my curveball and changeup. I need to increase my pitch count and be able to throw my cutter. Again, the most important thing is to make my body healthy and be a starter.”
MLB.com concluded, “Let’s not forget about Ryu. The four-year, $80 million deal signaled that the young core was ready to grow and rebuild. He posted a 2.69 ERA in the COVID-19-shortened 2020 season and followed that up with a 4.55 ERA in 37 starts. He’s battling time, but he’ll get a chance to write his comeback story in the final season of his contract.”