Toronto Blue Jays Ryu Hyun-jin is undergoing rehabilitation training at Dunedin, Florida, a spring training camp, with the goal of returning this July.
He is expected to be able to start pitching in the bullpen from next month as his recovery is faster than expected, but since he underwent Tommy John surgery in June last year, considering that rehabilitation will take more than a year, returning in early July is natural. Ryu Hyun-jin’s plan is to start pitching for minor league rehabilitation starting in June.
When he returns, it is unknown what the Toronto starting rotation will be like, but it is difficult to say that Ryu Hyun-jin is guaranteed a spot. In the final season of his four-year, $80 million contract, Ryu Hyun-jin’s annual salary this year is $20 million. He is the second highest paid pitcher on the team after Kevin Gaussman ($21 million).
It is also a burden for the club to not use high-paid players as their main starters. However, pitchers who are not backed by pitch cannot be put in as a starter in a summer race where ranking battles are important. In the end, the key is how much Ryu Hyun-jin improves his condition in the minor league rehabilitation pitching, which will be held three to five times. Even if he returns from the injured list and throws as a starter for one or two games, if the results are not good, he will not be able to avoid competition afterwards.
MLB.com recently mentioned Hyun-Jin Ryu in an article titled ‘The 3 Questions Focused on at the Blue Jays’ Camp’, covering starting pitcher depth.
Reporter Keegan Mathison, who wrote the article, introduced Toronto’s backup starters, saying, “Sixth, seventh, and eighth starts don’t sound very important in mid-March, but they will be very important words in June or July.”
First of all, Toronto has virtually confirmed the 1st to 4th starters, including Alec Manoa, Kevin Gaussman, Chris Bassett, and Jose Berrios.
The top 5 candidates are Yusei Kikuchi and Mitch White, but for now, Kikuchi is expected to be given a chance first. Reporter Matheson said, ‘White, who will play a key swing man role, is waiting for the starting position in the next order. Like all clubs, Toronto needs to prepare 7 to 12 starters. The topic of selection must be constantly talked about,” he emphasized.
Reporter Mathison said, ‘If there is a problem with Kikuchi, White, or any other starting pitcher, Drew Hutchinson and Jack Thompson are immediately in charge, followed by Thomas Hatch and Casey Lawrence.’ He added,스포츠토토 “The third prospect in the team, Yosver Zulueta, and the number one prospect, Ricky Tidman, can be immediate alternatives, and finally, Ryu Hyun-jin can return in the second half after completing rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery.”
There are a whopping 8 people on standby. It is said that they will serve as the ‘supply unit’ of Toronto’s five-man rotation throughout the season. Reporter Mattison said, “Toronto is hoping to keep its starting five starters healthy until the replacement resources mentioned above have a chance to emerge.”
When Ryu Hyun-jin returns this summer, competition that may be the last in the major leagues awaits. It is a historically proven fact that if you recover your position with a healthy body, it is the most reliable selection option.