MLB: Injured Players That Will Make an Impact in 2017
By Jason Reed
Hyun-Jin Ryu
After two solid seasons, Hyun-Jin Ryu developed noticeable inflammation in his shoulder. While at the time the injury seemed small, at the most taking him out for the last month of 2014, the series of events that transpired did not go Ryu’s way. He missed all of 2015 with various injuries, and finally pitched again on July 7, 2016. That outing did not go as planned, as Ryu let up six runs in only 4.2 innings en route to sustaining another injury. Ryu had noticeable elbow discomfort, which led to elbow tendonitis and an eventual surgery in September. The last two years have been a wild ride for Ryu, but it does not rule out a productive 2017 campaign.
If everything goes as planned, Dodger fans should expect Ryu to return to the mound at the start of the 2017 season. Ryu would instantly be thrust into the starting rotation, likely as a three- or four-man depending on what the Dodgers acquire this offseason, and may see his numbers return back to where they were. It is very hard to miss two seasons and come back productive, and seems even less likely after his lone start last season was poor. However, with Rick Honeycutt‘s magic, Ryu can return to form.
Honeycutt, the Dodgers’ pitching coach, has been absolutely phenomenal in Los Angeles. Since his hiring in 2006, the Dodgers have statistically had the best pitching in baseball. Honeycutt will be able to aid Ryu in returning to form, and if Hill returns he could even aid Ryu in making adjustments to his pitching style. Surrounded by young promising arms, Ryu has no other choice than to succeed, or be left out.