Los Angeles Dodgers Left Handed Warrior: Hyun-Jin Ryu

In what was being called the biggest series of the year for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the first game against the Colorado Rockies went to Korean left-hander Hyun-Jin Ryu.

With first place at stake in the National League West division, all Hyun-Jin Ryu did was dominate the Rockies, going seven innings, striking out seven and shutting out the Rockies in an 8-2 victory for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ryu helped the Los Angeles Dodgers limiting the Rockies to just four hits and saving the bullpen any wear and tear in the final two games of the series.

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For Ryu, he lowered his season ERA to 2.18 in 70 1/3 innings. Ryu’s abbreviated season was due to a groin injury suffered after just six starts. It was another injury setback that had marred Ryu’s promising career.

After starting his Dodgers career by going 28-15 and a postseason ERA of 2.81, Ryu started experiencing shoulder soreness in 2015 during spring training. Ryu went on the disabled list and never returned that year.

It was revealed that Ryu needed surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder. It would take two years for Ryu to return to the rotation. It wasn’t until 2017 that Ryu could pitch again he struggled to regain his previous form.

Ryu made 24 starts with an ERA of 3.77 but teams hit him at a .263 average and according to FanGraphs, his velocity (90.6 mph) was still below what he averaged when he came into the league (91.5).

Ryu was part of the team but he was unable to contribute as the Dodgers made their first World Series since 1988, Ryu’s inconsistency meant he was off the playoff roster.

This year Ryu was the best pitcher on the staff in the first month starting 3-0 and sporting an ERA of 2.12. Despite his disabled list stint, Ryu came back better than ever. Since his return to tthe rotationRyu has a 2.21 ERA and only three walks in 40 2/3 innings.

With Ryu’s strong return the Dodgers have the arms as they continue to push towards a sixth consecutive West Division title. Ryu’s success is also a testament to his perseverance in the face of his prior injuries.