Will he be able to take the mound in the opening game
Ryu signed an eight-year contract with the Hanwha Eagles on Tuesday for a total of 17 billion won (including opt-outs). He returned to his former home in 12 years since he entered the Major League in 2012.
Immediately after completing his contract with the Hanwha Eagles, Ryu left for Okinawa, Japan on Tuesday, joined the spring camp, and played bullpen pitching. He rested Monday due to his team's schedule.
With Ryu Hyun-jin returning, it is now of utmost interest when he will be able to take the mound. Attention is focusing on whether Ryu Hyun-jin, who "conquered" the KBO League before entering the U.S., will be able to show his power even after 12 years.
He won both Rookie and MVP awards in 2006, his debut season, and posted a total of 98 wins and 52 losses with one save and a strikeout ERA of 2.80 for seven years until 2012. As his nickname was, he was a monster.
The club, including Hanwha manager Choi Won-ho, also expects Ryu Hyun-jin to take the mound from the opening game.
So far, Ryu Hyun-jin himself has expressed his position that he can prepare in time for the opening game.
At the time of the contract with Hanwha, he said, "We raised the number of pitches from indoors to 65 pitches," adding, "It's okay in terms of the number of pitches."
Ryu Hyun-jin then moved to Okinawa and immediately went on to pitch the bullpen, proving that he is strong.
If Ryu Hyun-jin takes the mound for the opening game, he will face the defending champion LG Twins in Jamsil on March 23. Although LG was the winning team last year, Ryu Hyun-jin, who was strong against LG in the past, can play his return game with confidence.
If he takes the mound after five days of rest after the game against LG, he can also take the mound at the game against KT Wiz, the opener of the season. Ideally, he can greet his home fans in 12 years.
The variables of the ideal scenario are Ryu Hyun-jin's physical condition and cold weather due to the opening earlier than usual.
Ryu did not make it to the team's first spring camp. Moreover, it has been less than a year since he returned from Tommy John Surgery meant to link tendons in his elbow. Considering his 100 percent physical condition, he could be cautious. How much he can improve over the next month will be the key to his return to the starting pitcher.
In addition, there is a possibility that Ryu Hyun-jin will not hurry to return at the team level as the cold weather caused by the early opening is predicted.
If that happens, Ryu will prepare for another week in normal physical condition before taking the mound at the home opener. Some fans who want to see Ryu as soon as possible may be disappointed, but this is also not a bad plan in the long run.
https://www.totositenet.com/