It's AGAIN 2013.Toronto Blue Jays Ryu Hyun-jin returned to the third start.
Toronto one-two punches Kevin Gausman and Jose berrios, who pushed Ryu Hyun-Jin to No.3, will be as strong as Clayton Kershaw and Jack Greinke during the LA Dodgers in 2013. Toronto signed free agent Ryu Hyun-jin for a total of $80 million ahead of the 2020 season.At the time, he was the best pitcher in Toronto club history. Ryu Hyun-jin lived up to Toronto's expectations by playing as an ace in 2020, the shortened season for Corona. He has a 2.69 ERA in 12 games and he has 5-2. He finished third in the American League Cy video voting, but in 2021 he exposed ups and downs.Ryu Hyun-jin's unique consistency gradually diminished. After his hot fight,his early gratification was repeated and he lost his credibility. For the first time since entering the majors in 2013 (except in 2016,where he played one game),his ERA exceeded four points (4.37). Toronto responded quickly.The starting rotation was reorganized to reduce the weight of veteran Ryu Hyun-jin and prospect Alek Manoah.They traded Jose berrios and signed Kevin Gausman as a free agent.Ryu Hyun-Jin stepped down as a three-starter as in 2013,his first season in the major leagues. In 2013, the Dodgers one-two punch Kershaw and Greinke were the best in the league.Kershaw won two consecutive Cy Young titles in 2013 and 2014.In 2014, he spit out the spirit of winning both Cy Young and MVP at the same time. Greinke was selected as an All-Star for two consecutive years in 2014 and 2015, and in 2015 was ranked second in Cy Young. CBS Sports ranked Berrios and Gausman in 6th place in Major League Baseball's One-Two Punch.It is true that the weight is lower than that of Kershaw and Greinke. Nevertheless, Ryu Hyun-jin was able to put down the burden for now.A rebound is expected if the stress of a lot of innings, ace matches, or frequent big games is relieved.Ryu Hyun-Jin,along with Kershaw and Greinke,earned the reputation of being the best 3 starter in the league in 2013-2014 and succeeded in winning 14 games for two consecutive years.Although Ryu Hyun-jin stalled for the 2021 season,it is interesting to see if he can make a comeback by returning to the 3rd start.