Is there still something missing?
The Toronto Blue Jays’ Ryu Hyun-jin’s return will be delayed until early August.
“Left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin will not join the rotation during this weekend’s three-game homestand against the Los Angeles Angels, manager John Schneider said,” Canadian media outlet Sportsnet reported on Aug. 25 (KST), adding, “According to Schneider, Ryu, who is returning from Tommy John surgery, will throw one simulated game.
The outlet went on to say, “However, a return against the Angels has not been completely ruled out. If Ryu were to return against the Angels, he would be expected to either start against pitcher Shohei Ohtani or face Ohtani as a hitter, which would effectively wipe out his chances of facing Ohtani this season.
It’s an unexpected decision. In four minor league rehab starts, Ryu has pitched 18 innings, allowing four runs on 13 hits and one walk while striking out 16. Two wins and a 2.00 ERA.
Most notably, in his last checkup, a Triple-A game on April 22, he allowed two runs on three hits and one walk over six innings, striking out five and walking two, and upped his fastball velocity to a high of 90.8 mph and an average of 88.4 mph while throwing 85 pitches. Very close to his 89.3 mph average velocity before elbow surgery.
Sportsnet reported, “Ryu’s minor league rehab assignment, scheduled for one month, will end on Aug. 4. That’s when he should be fully healthy and ready to rejoin the rotation.” “The Blue Jays have an off-day on Friday before heading out on a 17-game road trip, starting with a game against the Angels. Ryu is expected to return to the rotation during this stretch.
Ryu arrived at Dodger Stadium in time to join the team for a road game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Schneider didn’t give Ryu the “green light” right away because he wanted to perfect him. Instead of pitching out of the bullpen, he pitched in a simulated game to further refine his form and mechanics. 메이저놀이터
In addition, the fact that Yusei Kikuchi and Alec Manoa, who had been showing signs of anxiety, pitched well in their recent outings may have played a role in delaying Ryu’s return.