Hyun-jin Ryu (36, Toronto Blue Jays) pitched out of the bullpen for the first time since undergoing elbow ligament reconstruction surgery, and there was a lot of excitement locally about his return. The fans were more excited than anyone.
Ryu pitched in the bullpen before the 2023 Major League Baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida, U.S., on Sept. 24 (KST) 먹튀검증.
Manager John Schneider and other members of the MLB Toronto coaching staff stood behind Ryu as he pitched out of the bullpen.
After throwing the ball, Ryu told the Toronto Star and other local media outlets, “My favorite thing is to throw the ball,” he said, “It feels good to see my teammates. It helped me regain my energy.”
He has definitely lost weight from before the surgery. “I wanted to make a big difference in my appearance,” Ryu said, “and my goal is to return to the team in the second half of the year (mid-July).”
On June 19, 2022, Ryu underwent elbow ligament splicing surgery. He has made good progress in his rehabilitation and is on track to return in mid-July.
According to the Toronto Star, “Ryu threw a sharp changeup and curveball out of the bullpen. Most importantly, he hasn’t felt any elbow pain recently. Ryu is on track to return in the second half of the season.”
“Ryu is still needed in Toronto. He still needs to be a big league pitcher at some point this season. If everything goes according to plan and schedule, he can help balance the team.”
The release of Ryu’s interview and video of him pitching out of the bullpen sent fans into a frenzy.
This is because Toronto is currently underperforming. The Jays are 26-23 on the season, tied with the Boston Red Sox (26-23) at the bottom of the American League East.
The Jays will need a big boost, especially on the mound. Manoah, who was expected to be the ace of a five-man rotation of Chris Bassett, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Alec Manoa, and Yusei Kikuchi, has struggled, much to the frustration of fans. Manoa has struggled mightily this season, going 1-4 with a 5.15 ERA in 10 games and 50⅔ innings pitched.
According to Sportskida, fans have said things like, “Ryu came to save us,” “He looks like his best. We missed him so much,” “Good news. We needed him,” among other tweets welcoming his return.