“This is big news for the Toronto Blue Jays.”
Keegan Mathieson, who covers Toronto for MLB.com, called the news of Hyun-jin Ryu’s (Toronto) imminent return to the mound “major news” on Monday.
“After throwing about three innings in a live bullpen session in Dunedin on Sept. 29, Hyun-jin Ryu is now scheduled to pitch in his first minor league game in five days (after surgery). He will pitch for either the FCL Blue Jays (complex league affiliate) or the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays.”
“Ryu’s recovery from Tommy John surgery (elbow ligament reconstruction) has gone very well so far. Toronto manager John Schneider said his fastball is up to 88 mph (141.6 km/h), which he described as ‘not too far off from where it needs to be.'”메이저놀이터
After gradually increasing his pitch count in the bullpen and in live action, Ryu is now ready to take the mound in the big leagues. “He needs a few more minor league appearances, and there are a few more things we need to look at, but he’s not off track,” Mathieson said, predicting that he could be back when he originally expected.
Ryu Hyun-jin (left) and Manoa are close teammates ⓒSporting News DB
The reason why Ryu’s return is so important for Toronto is that the fifth starter spot is open. Alec Manoa, who was supposed to be the ace or one-two punch, is out of the rotation.
Manoa is coming off a rough 13-game stretch in which he went 1-7 with a 6.36 ERA, but he was torched for 11 runs in 2⅔ innings in the rookie-level Complex League on March 28. He’ll pitch in Double-A next, but his timetable for a return is still up in the air. “Toronto could utilize Ryu while they wait for Manoa to resolve his issues,” Mathieson wrote.
Meanwhile, Scott Mitchell of TSN Sports in Canada reported, “Barring any setbacks, Ryu could be available to help Toronto in about a month.” MLBTrader.com quoted Mitchell’s Twitter account as saying, “He’ll need a few weeks of rehab to finish his buildup. That said, a July return still seems within reach,” the report said, suggesting that Ryu’s return may not be until July.