The “Korean Monster” Ryu Hyun-jin of the Toronto Blue Jays finally earned a win in his third start since returning from injury. With the win, Ryu broke the record for the oldest start by a Korean big leaguer, held by Chan Ho Park.
Ryu Hyun-jin pitched five innings of two-hit ball, striking out two and walking three to earn the win against the Chicago Cubs at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on Thursday. It had been 444 days since Ryu had earned a win in the big leagues since May 27 last year against the Los Angeles Angels (5 innings, 2 runs). He improved to 76 wins (46-1, 1 save) in the big leagues. 메이저사이트
Ryu’s victory was significant for several reasons. First, it’s impressive that Ryu, who is in his mid-30s, was able to return to form after enduring a lengthy 13-month rehabilitation period.
He underwent ligament reconstruction surgery on his left elbow on June 19 last year and didn’t make his big league debut until last night against the Baltimore Orioles. There was some pessimism about his return due to his advanced age. In January, a U.S. sports publication said, “It’s not easy for a player in his mid-30s to make a comeback in the second half of his career,” and predicted that “even if he does, he’ll be an ‘opener’ who starts and pitches short innings”. However, Ryu overcame the negative outlook and showed a “human victory” by winning his third start since returning.
Ryu added another big league start to his resume at the age of 36 years, 4 months, and 20 days. He became the oldest Korean big leaguer to win a start. The previous record was held by “Korean Express” Chan Ho Park. Park earned his first win at the age of 35 years, 10 months, and 13 days on May 13, 2009, against the Los Angeles Dodgers while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies. He continued to pitch on the big league mound and add wins until 2010, when he was 37 years old, but all six of his wins since 2009 have been in relief.
Ryu gave up a run in the first inning. He walked the first batter he faced, Christopher Morel, before giving up a single to Nico Horner in the second. Ian Happ followed with a routine grounder to third, but first baseman Brandon Belt couldn’t get a good grip on the ball, putting runners on first and second. Ryu seemed to get out of the jam by getting the next batter, Cody Bellinger, to fly out to left field. But a six-pitch fastball to Dansby Swanson was hit into the gap for a two-run double. The runners did not score on Belt’s error, so it was not credited to Ryu.
In the second inning, Ryu turned to his main weapon, his changeup. After a full count against leadoff hitter Patrick Wisdom, he threw the changeup for a swinging strike. He then retired the next two batters to complete the triple play. Ryu, who didn’t allow a run except for a single and a walk in the third and fourth innings, turned the ball over to Genesis Cabrera in the sixth inning with an 8-2 lead. The Jays went on to win 11-4 behind Ryu’s strong pitching and an explosive offense.
Toronto manager John Schneider said of Ryu, “She’s amazing. He never loses his flow.” His nemesis, Chicago Cubs manager David Ross, called him “a guy who can throw,” and said his “changeup is amazing.”