[‘Second year since returning from surgery’ What is Ryu Hyun-jin’s physical condition? “Opening game OK, goal of 150 innings”]

'Korean Monster' Ryu Hyun-jin, who returned to his former team, the Hanwha Eagles, after 12 years, is being interviewed by reporters before leaving for Okinawa, Japan through Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 on the morning of the 23rd to join spring camp.

The biggest concern for Ryu Hyun-jin (37, Hanwha Eagles), who returned to his ‘home team’ after 12 years, is ‘health’. This is because he is a pitcher who is already in his late 30s and has undergone many major surgeries.

In 2022, the season ended early due to elbow ligament joint surgery (Tommy John surgery), and he only returned in the second half of last year. After his return, his velocity showed some decline. Last year, Ryu Hyun-jin's average fastball speed was 88.6 miles per hour (about 142.6 km), the lowest since entering the big leagues.

However, he is confident that his physical condition will not be a major problem for now.

He met with reporters before leaving for Okinawa, Japan on the 23rd and said, “I played a game last year when I returned from rehabilitation,” and added, “I don’t think there will be any problems with my physical condition.”

Ryu Hyun-jin, who underwent Tommy John surgery for the second time following his time at Dongsan High School, was confident that his speed would improve this season.

Ryu Hyun-jin said, “Originally, the second or third year after returning from Tommy John surgery is when your arm becomes more comfortable. I also improved my condition smoothly and my arm became more comfortable.”

There are also criticisms that preparations for the season have been delayed as it takes a long time to find a new nest. However, Ryu Hyun-jin said this was no problem either.

He said, “I have increased the number to the point where I can pitch 65 pitches indoors. Even though it is indoor pitching, 65 pitches is faster than expected at this time of year, so I think I will be okay to pitch in the opening game.”

He added, “Of course, I didn’t throw with 100% strength, so I have to check it out at spring camp. If it’s okay after playing catch outside, I think I’ll throw a bullpen right away.”

‘Korean Monster’ Ryu Hyun-jin (37) returned to the KBO League 12 years after finishing his American Major League (MLB) career.

Ryu Hyun-jin recorded 3 wins, 3 losses, and an ERA of 3.46 in the big leagues last year after returning from Tommy John surgery. His fastball velocity was in the low 140km range, and even though it was his first year back from surgery, he achieved decent results thanks to his sophisticated ball control and high-level game management ability. As long as he is not sick, he is expected to perform at a high level in the KBO League.

Ryu Hyun-jin emphasized team performance rather than his personal goals, but he did have goals for the inning. Since he only filled about 5 innings in most of his appearances last year, which was his first year back, he has aspirations to throw many innings this season.

He said, “As long as I stay healthy, I think other records will follow,” but “I still think I’ll have to throw 150 innings.”

He also showed the confidence of a 'ball control expert' about the 'robot umpire' (ABS, automatic ball-strike judgment system), which he had not encountered even in the United States.

Ryu Hyun-jin said, “I think the top priority is to figure out what the zone that is recognized as a strike is like. If you can get a feel for that, you can easily adapt.”

섯다; https://www.gostopsite.com

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Pub: 24 Feb 2024 02:11 UTC
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