Dodgers Rumors: Which pitcher should be cut from the starting rotation
By Jason Reed
1. Hyun-Jin Ryu
Chance of leaving the rotation: 90%
I have tried to have so much faith in Hyun-Jin Ryu, I really have. Ryu absolutely thrived his rookie season in 2013, pitching to a 3.00 ERA and proving to be a very consistent option for then manager Don Mattingly. However, Ryu’s career has not really gone all that well, as he has seen more time off the field than he has on.
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Various injuries saw Ryu miss most of his time with the Dodgers. First, Ryu missed the entire 2015 season, then, his comeback was delayed in 2016 where he finally came back in July to throw 4.2 innings and head back to the shelf.
After a very impressive spring training, Ryu landed a rotation spot after many speculated that he would land in the bullpen. Now, that bullpen route seems to be the most logical, as Ryu has struggled to really find his groove. Ryu has been able to stay in the rotation due to crafty use of the DL by the Dodgers, but now with Maeda returning, it may be time.
With all the talent in this rotation, Ryu simply is not cutting it. Ryu holds a 2-5 record, a 4.75 ERA, and the highest walk rate of his career. The problem with Ryu is that he cannot eat innings for the Dodgers and he is only over stressing the bullpen. His highs are great, but his lows are horrible – the Dodgers do not need that inconsistency moving forward.
Even on his best days, Ryu is only throwing six innings, max. As a five guy, the Dodgers need a guy that consistently makes it to the sixth and seventh inning, not someone who gets pulled more often that not after four innings.
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While Ryu certainly has had his bright spots and some bad luck, he should move to the bullpen. According to these Dodgers rumors, moving forward, that may be where Ryu thrives the most.