Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto Blue Jays), who made a comeback after elbow surgery, returns to Korea after 10 months.
Acepec Corporation, Ryu Hyun-jin’s domestic management company, announced on the 16th that “Ryu Hyun-jin will conclude the season and return to Korea on the 18th.”
Unlike when he left, Ryu Hyun-jin returned feeling somewhat relieved.
He underwent Tommy John surgery (elbow ligament fusion surgery) on June 19 last year. He had his second surgery in 2004, when he was a second year student at Dongsan High School.
Elbow ligament joint surgery is a simple surgery that takes less than an hour, but requires a tedious rehabilitation process. It is possible to return to the mound at least one year after surgery. Furthermore, Ryu Hyun-jin had a second surgery in his mid-30s, so the burden was even greater.
Even in the American Major League, there are quite a few cases of failure when two elbow ligament joint surgeries were performed.메이저사이트
FanGraphs, a website specializing in MLB records, said, “In 2014, a total of 11 pitchers underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time in their lives,” adding, “Of these, 4 did not return to the big leagues, 3 are continuing their careers, and only 4 players “After a long time, I returned to the big leagues,” he said.
From 2015 to 2020, a total of 18 people underwent a second Tommy John surgery, and 13 returned to the big leagues.
Ryu Hyun-jin left for the United States much earlier than usual, showing his will for revival. Ryu Hyun-jin left the country on December 29 last year. Previously, he returned home after the MLB schedule ended, rested, and improved his physical condition in places such as Okinawa and Jeju Island, Japan, before leaving for the United States in early to mid-February ahead of spring camp. The management company said, “During his short schedule in Korea, which lasted about a month, Ryu Hyun-jin focused solely on rehabilitation, except for time spent with his family. Unlike previous years, he left early for the United States and started preparing for next season faster than anyone else.”
His motivation was high as his season ended early after undergoing surgery to repair his elbow ligaments. He also showed significant signs of resurgence ahead of the expiration of his four-year contract with Toronto.
At the time of his departure, Ryu Hyun-jin said, “My goal is to return in July.” Ryu Hyun-jin was very close. At the time of his return, he returned no less successfully and showed off his health. On August 2, he started in a home game against the Baltimore Orioles of the Major League Baseball (MLB) team held at the Rogers Center in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. In his return game after 426 days, he allowed 4 runs in 5 innings. Afterwards, the regular season ended without any injuries. He pitched in a total of 11 games this season, posting 3 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 3.46. Ryu Hyun-jin is an example of a successful return after two elbow ligament joint surgeries.
The four-seam fastball velocity was 142.6 km/h (88.6 miles), the lowest since his MLB debut, but he faced sluggers with a skillful pitch. Ryu Hyun-jin’s weapons were a slow curve in the 100 km range, a cut fastball, a change-up, and precise ball control. While he pitched a total of 52 innings, he walked only 14.
Toronto excluded Ryu Hyun-jin from the Minnesota Twins and wild card roster, and were eliminated early after two consecutive losses. With this, Ryu Hyun-jin’s 2023 season also ended.
Ryu Hyun-jin, whose four-year contract with Toronto worth a total of $80 million ends at the end of this season, must qualify as a free agent and sign a new contract. He is also expected to leave Toronto. However, local American media predicts that there will be a big league club that will offer veteran Ryu Hyun-jin a 1-2 year contract.
Ryu Hyun-jin, who moved to the United States in 2013, recorded 78 wins, 48 losses, and an average ERA of 3.27 in 186 big league games.
Ryu Hyun-jin said, “With anticipation for next season, I will prepare to do the same as last year.”