Hyun-Jin Ryu, Starting Pitcher, Toronto Blue Jays

Date of Birth: 3/25/1987
Birthplace: Incheon, South Korea

Hyun-Jin Ryu, starting pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays, was a top pitcher in Korea from 2006 through 2012. In 2006, he won the Rookie of the Year award, the MVP award, and the Triple Crown title, leading his league in ERA, wins, and strikeouts. He led the league in strikeouts again in 2009, 2010, and 2012, and in 2010, he also led the league in ERA. Ryu won two Gold Glove awards, first in 2006 and then a second one in 2010.

In December, 2012, Ryu signed a six-year, $36 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He pitched 192.0 innings in 2013 and he had a 3.00 ERA with a 14-8 record and 154 strikeouts to 49 walks in 30 games. He finished the 2014 season with a 14-7 record, 139 strikeouts to 29 walks, and a 3.38 ERA in 152.0 innings in 26 games. In the postseason, he pitched 6.0 innings in one game and he gave up 5 hits and 1 home run to finish with a 1.50 ERA.

Ryu spent all of the 2015 season on the DL with shoulder problems. His season officially ended with shoulder surgery on May 21st. He spent most of the 2016 season again on the DL, pitching just 4.2 innings in one game with the Dodgers.

Ryu pitched in 25 games with the Dodgers in 2017. He finished the season with 5 wins and 9 losses, 1 save, 116 strikeouts to 45 walks, and a 3.77 ERA in 126.2 innings. He didn't pitch in the postseason.

Ryu spent time on the DL in 2018 with a left groin strain. He finished the season with 7 wins and 3 losses, 89 strikeouts to 15 walks, and a 1.97 ERA in 82.1 innings in 15 games. In the postseason, he pitched 19.0 innings in 4 games and he gave up 23 hits, including a home run, and 11 runs. He had 1 win and 2 losses and a 5.21 ERA. He struck out 20 batters and walked 3.

Although Ryu spent time on the DL in 2019 with a left groin strain and with neck soreness, he still finished the season with an excellent record. He had 14 wins and 5 losses, 163 strikeouts to 24 walks, and a 2.32 ERA in 182.2 innings in 29 games. His ERA was lowest in major league baseball in 2019. In the postseason, he pitched 5.0 innings in 1 game and he gave up 4 hits, including a home run, and 2 runs. He struck out 3 batters and walked 2, and he had 1 win and no losses and a 3.60 ERA.

Ryu became a free agent on October 31, 2019. He signed a four-year, $80 million contract with the Blue Jays on December 27th. He finished the 2020 season with 5 wins and 2 losses, 72 strikeouts to 17 walks, and a 2.69 ERA in 67.0 innings in 12 games. He didn't pitch well, however, in the postseason. In 1.2 innings in 1 game, he gave up 8 hits and 7 runs and he had a 16.20 ERA.

Ryu pitched in 31 games in 2021. He finished the season with 14 wins and 10 losses, 143 strikeouts to 37 walks, and a 4.37 ERA in 169.0 innings.

Career pitching statistics for Ryu through 2021 include:

• 169 games played
• 976.1 innings pitched
• 73-45 win-loss record
• 880 strikeouts to 218 walks
• 3.20 ERA

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Hyun-Jin Ryu
ESPN - Hyun-Jin Ryu