“Ryu Hyun-jin is Ryu Hyun-jin.”

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu threw a bullpen session before the team’s home game against the Los Angeles Angels at Rogers Centre on Tuesday (June 30) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Ryu Hyun-jin goes through a final check before his comeback. Toronto manager John Schneider was pleased with his performance and raised expectations. His teammates were also impressed by his flawless delivery.

The Athletic reported, “A small crowd gathered in the bullpen. Schneider, pitching coach Pete Walker and pitchers Kevin Gausman and Chris Bassitt watched as Ryu, who is set to return to the major leagues, threw a ball to catcher Jansen,” according to The Athletic.

Ryu will make his big league debut on April 2 against the Baltimore Orioles. Ryu, who underwent elbow surgery last year, will make his first major league start since June 2, 2022, against the Chicago White Sox after a long rehabilitation tunnel.

His rehab appearances in the minor leagues have been successful. In four starts, Ryu lost more than 20 pounds and posted a 2.00 ERA with 18 strikeouts and 16 walks in 18 innings pitched. He showed he had nothing left to prove in the minors.

Schneider kept a close eye on Ryu after he joined the team. After a bullpen session ahead of his return, Schneider said, “Ryu was awesome. He’s been working on his pitch count and getting used to it. His pitches were accurate as always. He’s ready to go. He looked really good,” Schneider said of Ryu.

If Ryu returns, Toronto plans to go with a six-man starting rotation. Ryu will be joined on the mound by Gaussman, Bassitt, Jose Berrios, Yusei Kikuchi, and Alec Manoa. “The pitchers will have an extra day of rest,” Schneider said. I think Ryu will help everybody,” Schneider said.

스포츠토토 “We’re about to see Ryu,” said The Athletic. His teammates are excited to have him back in the lineup after more than a year of rehabilitation,” said The Athletic. Manoa said, “Ryu is Ryu is Ryu. He looks great and throws all his pitches well. We’re happy to have him,” Manoa said.

Ryu signed a four-year, $80 million contract with Toronto before the 2020 season. His contract ends after this season. If he can return to his ace form, his future could be even brighter.