‘Happy to see Ryu.’

The Toronto Blue Jays posted a photo of Ryu Hyun-jin on their official Twitter account. The Jays began a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field in Florida on April 23 (KST). The Rays lost 4-6, and Ryu was spotted at Tropicana Field before the game.스포츠토토

Ryu was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in late June of last year. He came to South Korea in the off-season, but minimized his travels and returned to the U.S. in December. The plan to speed up his rehab in a warmer climate seems to have worked. Toronto recently announced that Ryu will make a minor league rehabilitation appearance in June, followed by a major league return in July. Ryu also revealed this plan to Korean reporters when he left the country last December.

“He’ll be pitching out of the bullpen,” Bluebird Banter said in announcing Ryu’s rejoining the team. “He won’t be pitching for Toronto anytime soon, but it’s the first step toward his return.” Normally, a bullpen stint is a step toward a comeback. He’ll be making a minor league rehab start after a live pitching assignment.

After a few minor league appearances to get his pitch count up, he’ll be back in the majors in July. Of course, if the pain returns (or becomes unbearable), the rehab process will go backwards. Toronto, which hasn’t had a solid starting rotation this season, needs Ryu back on track. Ryu is eligible for free agency after this season.