“Korean Monster” Ryu Hyun-jin is one step closer to returning to the big leagues.
According to local U.S. media outlet Sportsnet, Ryu took the mound against the Detroit Tigers affiliate at the Blue Jays’ training facility in Dunedin, Florida, on Friday.
He pitched three innings, allowing one run on four hits with five strikeouts and no walks.
It had been 13 months since Ryu had pitched in a live game since June 2 last year, when he started against the Chicago White Sox.
Despite pitching for so long, he left the mound with a clean performance.
The outlet said of Ryu’s performance, “He’s right on track with his rehab schedule. Even though he gave up a run, he didn’t walk anyone, which is a good thing.”
“At the rate he’s pitching now, he could be back in the big leagues within a month,” CBS Sports said the same day.바카라사이트
Ryu has been rehabbing since undergoing Tommy John surgery (elbow ligament repair) last June.
He pitched out of the bullpen in May, threw a limited number of live pitches in June, and made a minor league appearance this month, with the goal of returning to the big leagues later in the season.
Toronto is eagerly awaiting Ryu’s return.
Recently, the Rays demoted their trusted starter Alex Manoa to the minors after he struggled with a 1-7 record and a 6.36 ERA.
With the deterioration of the starting pitching staff, Ryu is expected to be the hope on the mound for Toronto.
Meanwhile, according to multiple local media outlets, Ryu is expected to make more appearances in the minors, including Single-A and Triple-A.