GDB 108.0: Hyun-Jin Ryu makes return to mound as Toronto Blue Jays look to even series against Baltimore Orioles

The Korean Monster is back.

And for the first time since undergoing Tommy John Surgery, he will take a big league mound on Tuesday as the Toronto Blue Jays look to even up a series against the Baltimore Orioles.

Ryu, 36, has missed significant time since his last game on June 1, 2022 against the Chicago White Sox. Heading into the game Ryu had been dealing with some forearm and elbow issues dating back to April of that year and missed 24 games because of it with his struggles starting early in the year.

He underwent Tommy John surgery weeks later and with a 12-18 month timeline, it was almost assumed that it would end the four-year, $80-millon deal he signed with the club ahead of the 2020 season.

But a strong rehabilitation has brought Ryu back into the mix for the Blue Jays amid a time where an extra arm is always welcomed. Amid his recovery he’s made four starts in the Jays’ system throwing 18 innings across FCL, A, and AAA ball. He’s posted a 2.00 ERA and .778 WHIP allowing a collective 13 hits and four earned runs while issuing just one walk fanning 16 of 65 batters faced. Good stuff from the big man.

Now, he slides into the rotation with a tough task: taking on the Baltimore Orioles, who have absolutely clobbered the Jays this season. The O’s, who dropped a 4-2 decision Monday night on Toronto Monday night, are now a collective 6-1 against the team this season outscoring them 40-23.

First pitch: 7:07 p.m EST —Sportsnet, Sportsnet 650.

Toronto Blue Jays: 59-48, 6.5 GB, – WCGB, +51 DIFF.

Baltimore Orioles: 65-41, – GB, – WCGB, +50 DIFF.

Moneyline: TOR -105; BAL -114.

Blue Jays to win the series +120
Series correct score: +200

TOR: Hyun-Jin Ryu LHP – Season debut!

BAL: Kyle Bradish RHP – 6-6, 19 GS, 104.0 IP. 3.29 ERA, 3.62 FIP, 1.144 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, 8.2 SO/9.

Tune into the latest edition of Blue Jays Nation Radio as the crew talks about the Jays’ latest series against the Los Angeles Angels.

Zach Laing is the Nation Network’s news director and senior columnist. He can be followed on Twitter at @zjlaing, or reached by email at zach@oilersnation.com.