Hyun-Jin Ryu has return date in mind for Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays question about their fifth starter may be solved after the All Star Break. And it will not cost a single prospect.

According to Jeeho Yoo from Yonhap News, Ryu is remains on schedule in his rehab from Tommy John surgery in June. He is heading back to the US to continue his rehab and is targeting a return around the All Star Break, approximately 13 months after undergoing the procedure.

Hyun-Jin Ryu could be piece Toronto Blue Jays need

Ryu had been a solid arm for the Blue Jays in his first two seasons. He had posted a 3.89 ERA and a 1.203 WHiP over his 236 innings in 2020 and 2021, striking out 215 batters with 51 walks. While he may not have been an ace, he was a solid middle of the rotation arm during those two years.

His 2021 campaign was a disaster. Ryu made just six appearances due to forearm inflammation and the subsequent setback that necessitated surgery. He posted a 5.67 ERA and a 1.333 WHiP in his 27 innings, striking out just 16 batters with four walks.

The Blue Jays are not going to need Ryu to be back to the form he showed over his first two seasons. The first four in their rotation – Alek Manoah, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Jose Berrios – should be a strong enough group. He is just going to be tasked with being better than Yusei Kikuchi or Mitch White, depending on injuries.

It is fair to wonder if Ryu will be back when he hopes. That 13 month time frame is toward the shorter end of the recovery spectrum. It is entirely possible that, if Ryu suffers a setback in his recovery, he will have already pitched his final game with the Blue Jays.

Hyun-Jin Ryu is hoping to return to the Toronto Blue Jays around the All Star Break. If he is successful, he could be the answer as their fifth starter.