Ryu Hyun-jin to fly to the United States this week as rehabilitation continues

Ryu Hyun-jin arrives at Incheon International Airport on Nov. 22. [NEWS1]

Ryu Hyun-jin will fly to the United States on Thursday, his agency said Monday, departing a month earlier than normal as he continues to rehabilitate after undergoing Tommy John surgery in June.

Ryu’s local agency, Aspec Korea, announced Monday that Ryu will depart for the United States on Thursday, promising to perform better this season.

Toronto Blue Jays starter Ryu typically starts his year training in either Jeju Island or Okinawa, where conditions are more favorable, before heading to the United States for spring training. This year was the sole exception, with Ryu staying in Korea until March due to the MLB lockout.

Ryu’s decision to head straight to the United States this year appears to be part of efforts to ramp up training as he works to come back from season-ending surgery in June this year. Korean media predict that Ryu is looking to return in June 2023, just 12 months after undergoing surgery.

Ryu received "revision ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with a flexor tendon repair," more commonly known as Tommy John Surgery at the end of June, having dropped out of the lineup on June 2.

The recovery time from Tommy John Surgery typically lasting 12 to 18 months, making a return in June next year optimistic at best. The impact on Ryu's career could be significant — at 35, this much time out of action may seriously impact how feasible a return to the mound is for the veteran starter.

Ryu is currently has one year left on a four-season, $80-million deal. After starting strong in his first season, which Ryu ended with a 2.69 ERA and a Cy Young Award nomination, the left-hander struggled in the latter half of the 2021 season and carried those problems through into this year.

His shortened 2022 season ended with just six games played and a 5.67 ERA.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]