Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun-jin Ryu will make his final rehab start on the schedule.
Ryu will start against the New York Mets’ Syracuse Mets in a Triple-A game at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, N.Y., on Wednesday, April 22. In his fourth minor league rehab start, Ryu is scheduled to throw 80 to 85 pitches and go at least five innings.
Ryu, who underwent Tommy John surgery to repair ligaments in his elbow last June, has already completed three rehab starts this month. In total, Ryu is 1-1 with a 1.50 ERA in three minor league starts, including three scoreless innings in the Rookie League, four scoreless innings in Single-A, and five scoreless innings in Triple-A.
Wins and losses don’t mean much to Ryu right now. He needs to get his fastball up to 85 pitches to earn a spot in the major league starting rotation. His fastball has been up to 89.8 mph in the minors, so if he can symbolically get it up to 90+ mph, that would be a better return scenario.
Initially, there was a possibility that Ryu could make two more rehab appearances, but local media outlets are now reporting that the 22nd will be his final rehab start. “Ryu will throw at least 80 pitches in what is expected to be his final rehab start at Triple-A on Aug. 22,” CBS Sports reported on Aug. 20, citing a report from Sportsnet Canada.
According to the outlet, “Ryu’s fastball is averaging 87-88 mph, down slightly from where it was before his elbow surgery. But Toronto isn’t too worried about his velocity and expects it to get back up to speed soon. “He’s a bit of a ‘rainy day fund’ for Toronto that could still work in the league 스포츠토토.
If Ryu stays out of trouble in this start and fulfills the team’s mission (five innings, 80+ pitches), his next start will likely be in the majors. Toronto hosts the Los Angeles Angels from May 29-31, and he could enter that series on a rotation date.
Currently, the Toronto starting rotation is Yusei Kikuchi on the 29th, Alec Manoa on the 30th, and Jose Berrios on the 31st. However, there’s plenty of room for shuffling with Ryu’s return. Manager John Schneider is hoping that Ryu’s return will give him more flexibility in the rotation. Can Ryu complete his final task before returning to the majors?