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A new Ryu: Dodgers’ pitcher slimmer, stronger returning from surgery

November 13, 2015

Getting ready for #2016 #deadlift #350

A video posted by Los Angeles Dodgers Ryu 99⚾️ (@hyunjinryu325) on

By Brian Han

Looks like the Los Angeles Dodgers are going to get a brand new Ryu.

After shutting down for the entire 2015 season due to a shoulder injury that required surgery, the South Korean starting pitcher disappeared for awhile as his team put together a 92-70 record before making another disappointing postseason run.

His South Korean sports agency A-Spec provided an update on his recovery, and the news is good.

“He has been speeding up his rehab,” it wrote in a Thursday press release. “He’s been working really hard. On behalf of the player, we’d like to thank the fans for supporting him through his recovery so far. He hasn’t been down on himself, and things have gone well.”

Furthermore, U.S. agent Scott Boras told reporters that he has been throwing long toss from 90 feet and “should be ready to go for spring training.”

The 28-year-old lefty has apparently been placed on a strict diet and rehab program since June, which bodes well for critics and fans who have expressed concern over his love of Korean barbecue and fluctuating weight.

Ryu released a short video on his Instagram account over the weekend, where he deadlifts 350 pounds with relative ease. He looks slimmer and stronger on his way to the 2016 season.

Granted this story of a fitter Ryu is one we have all heard before about him in years past during the offseason, but the difference this time around is that he’s no longer dealing with a torn ligament in his shoulder — an issue that existed even before he signed with the Dodgers in 2012.

Ryu is entering the fourth year of a 6-year $36 million contract. He holds a 28-15 record in the major leagues with  3.17 ERA and 293 strikeouts over 344 innings pitched.

2 Comments

  1. Louis

    November 13, 2015 at 8:11 AM

    That’s great news! If we only had Ryu this year we would have certainly best the Mets!

    Reply

  2. wally Moon

    November 13, 2015 at 8:10 PM

    Ryu is buffed out an all muscle. H

    Reply