Hyun Jin Ryu Injury Update, What Happened to Hyun Jin Ryu?
by Ushapriyanga
Updated Aug 09, 2023
Who is Hyun Jin Ryu?
Born on March 25, 1987, Hyun-jin Ryu is a prominent South Korean professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball (MLB). Prior to joining the Blue Jays, he had notable stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB and the Hanwha Eagles in the KBO League.
Ryu made history in 2013 by becoming the first player from the KBO League to transition to the MLB using the posting system, which allows players to move between leagues. His journey symbolized the growing recognition of international talent in the MLB. Ryu's impact was felt on a global scale when he became the inaugural Korean pitcher to start a game in the World Series during the 2018 season, further establishing his significance in the sport.
In 2019, his remarkable performance earned him a coveted spot in his first MLB All-Star Game. Notably, Ryu showcased his exceptional skills by leading the entire league in earned run average (ERA) during that season, an accomplishment that underlined his proficiency on the mound.
Notably, his ERA of 1.26 after his first 14 starts in that season marked a historic low for a Dodgers pitcher since the inception of ERA as an official statistic back in 1912, underscoring his exceptional talent and impact on the game's history. Ryu's journey from the KBO to the MLB and his subsequent accomplishments illustrate the global nature of baseball and the significant role he has played in bridging these leagues and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Name
Hyun-jin Ryu
profession
South Korean baseball players
Height
1.91m
Weight in kg
116 kg
Date of Birth
1987-03-25
Age
36 Years
Nationality
South Korean
Net worth
$35 million USD
Hyun Jin Ryu Injury Update
Toronto Blue Jays fans were subjected to a distressing moment when their starting pitcher, Hyun Jin Ryu, suffered a concerning knee injury during a game. The incident occurred when he was struck by a forceful comebacker—a powerful line drive that made direct contact with his leg.
Although Ryu managed to regain his composure and execute a successful throw to first base for an out, he immediately collapsed on the field, displaying signs of intense pain. This incident was particularly concerning as Ryu had only recently returned to the team after a previous injury, and this game marked only his second start of the season. His presence in the rotation is crucial for the Blue Jays as they strive to secure the top spot in the competitive American League East division.
The injury has raised concerns about the team's prospects, fearing that Ryu's setback could hinder their pursuit of the division title. However, there is optimism that the injury might not be severe, given that Ryu managed to leave the field under his own power, suggesting that a major injury might have been avoided.
Should the injury prove to be minor, Ryu has the potential to significantly impact the Toronto Blue Jays' performance as they aim to clinch the AL East title. Currently trailing the Tampa Bay Rays and Baltimore Orioles, the Blue Jays are in a position to close the gap with their rivals.
Given the formidable offensive capabilities of both the Rays and the Orioles, the Toronto Blue Jays recognize the importance of having top-tier pitching. A healthy Hyun Jin Ryu could introduce a valuable element to their pitching staff that is much needed to elevate their overall gameplay.
What Happened to Hyun Jin Ryu?
During a game, Toronto Blue Jays supporters witnessed a distressing moment as their lead pitcher, Hyun Jin Ryu, was struck by a worrisome knee injury. The unsettling incident unfolded when he was hit by a forceful comebacker – a sharply hit line drive that made direct impact with his leg.
This type of incident is particularly concerning in baseball as pitchers are often vulnerable to such comebackers due to their proximity to the batter and the speed of the ball off the bat. While Ryu displayed remarkable reflexes by recovering to make an out at first base, he immediately crumbled in apparent pain.
This incident raises awareness about the inherent dangers faced by pitchers on the mound and emphasizes the importance of protective measures and player safety in the sport. It also underlines the unpredictable nature of injuries in sports and how they can impact even the most experienced players like Ryu.
Hyun-jin Ryu MLB Career
The Hanwha Eagles acknowledged the reported bid of $25.7 million presented by the Los Angeles Dodgers, granting them a 30-day window to potentially negotiate a contract with Hyun-jin Ryu, commencing on November 9, 2012. He secured his inaugural victory as a member of the Dodgers in a spring training game on March 17, 2013, coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day.
Making history, Ryu became the first South Korean pitcher to take the role of starting pitcher in a Major League Baseball postseason game on October 6, 2013. After a hiatus, on July 7, 2016, Ryu made his return to the Dodgers' lineup and assumed the starting position against the San Diego Padres.
A noteworthy achievement occurred when Ryu delivered his second career complete-game shutout while playing for the Atlanta Braves on May 7, 2019. Subsequently, on December 27, 2019, Ryu signed a substantial four-year contract worth $80 million with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blue Jays' 2020 season did not commence until July 24.
Hyun Jin Ryu Injury
Despite Hyun Jin Ryu's fortunate avoidance of a major injury, the Toronto Blue Jays are holding their collective breath as he undergoes X-ray examinations following a batted ball striking his right knee during a 3-1 victory over the Guardians on Monday.
The timing of this incident is undeniably unfortunate for Ryu, who had just made his second return to the Blue Jays' lineup after a 13-plus-month recovery from Tommy John surgery. Ryu's diligent journey back to the field, aimed at contributing during the crucial stretch of the season at the age of 36, has now been met with a new hurdle as he strives to be part of the team's push for the postseason.
Playfully addressing Ryu's well-known muscular calves, manager John Schneider commented on the current state of his right leg, quipping that he now possesses "two calves" on that side.
Encouragingly, Ryu's mobility improved as he entered the clubhouse, a positive sign despite the initial scare. Prior to the injury, Ryu's performance was on point, showcasing his skillful pitching as he consistently hit his spots. This display harkened back to his form from a few years ago, where he demonstrated impeccable accuracy by painting the corners with each pitch.
During the first four innings at Progressive Field, the Blue Jays witnessed the exact version of Ryu they had been eagerly awaiting for over a year. Although his fastball's velocity remained slightly below optimal levels, averaging 88.8 mph, Ryu's pinpoint precision was still intact.
Notably, his changeup, a pivotal pitch in his arsenal, returned to form, effectively eluding opposing batters. This development is crucial for the Blue Jays, as Ryu's performance adds depth and potency to their pitching lineup, a critical factor as they aim for a successful postseason campaign.
Hyun Jin Ryu Injury Update -FAQs
Hyun Jin Ryu is a prominent South Korean professional baseball pitcher who currently plays for the Toronto Blue Jays in Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the MLB and the Hanwha Eagles in the KBO League.
In 2013, Hyun Jin Ryu made history by becoming the first player from the KBO League to transition to the MLB using the posting system, which allows players to move between leagues. This marked an important moment in recognizing international talent in the MLB.
During the 2018 season, Ryu became the first Korean pitcher to start a game in the World Series, further establishing his significance in the sport on a global scale.
In the 2019 MLB season, Ryu's remarkable performance earned him a spot in his first MLB All-Star Game. He also led the entire league in earned run average (ERA), showcasing his exceptional proficiency on the mound.
Ryu rejoined the Dodgers' lineup in 2016 after a hiatus and continued to contribute to the team's success. Notably, he pitched his second career complete-game shutout while playing for the Atlanta Braves in 2019.
On December 27, 2019, Hyun Jin Ryu signed a four-year contract worth $80 million with the Toronto Blue Jays.