“Chef Ryu Hyun-jin!”
It seems that Toronto ace Alec Manoa had a satisfying meal with Ryu Hyun-jin. On the 20th (Korean time), he posted a picture of Korean-style dish LA Galbi and the phrase “Chef Ryu Hyun-jin” on his social media Instagram.
Manoa is Toronto’s ace with an average ERA of 2.24 with 16 wins and 7 losses in 31 games last year, the second year of his major league debut. He was voted an All-Star two years later and came in third in the Cy Young voting behind Justin Verlander and Dylan Seaz. The difference between them and the 2nd place was only 10 points.
He made his major league debut in 2021, so his time with Ryu Hyun-jin wasn’t very long. However, even before becoming a major leaguer, Manoa trusted and followed Hyun-jin Ryu as his role model. Photos with Ryu Hyun-jin are often uploaded on Instagram. On the day Ryu Hyun-jin had a good fight, he even left a comment in Korean on Ryu Hyun-jin’s account, saying, “Good job.”
Ahead of the 2022 season, it became a hot topic by directly refuting the opinion that Ryu Hyun-jin was concerned about a decline in grades.
Manoa said, “Ryu Hyun-jin has been on the final list of three Cy Young candidates for two of the last three years. I don’t think there is anything to worry about.” “2021 recorded an average ERA of 4.37. is preparing hard for the season. I am ready to spend a big season,” he said, covering ‘Hyunjin hyung’. 안전놀이터
Ryu Hyun-jin left for the United States on December 29 last year and prepared for a comeback in the second half of this season. From the first day of Toronto spring camp, he went to work with a bright expression and announced that his rehabilitation was proceeding as planned.
The pitching is still there, but the distance and intensity of throwing the ball are increasing smoothly. In an interview with Spotify News conducted at the spring camp, he even revealed a specific schedule, saying, “I’m thinking of preparing for a rehab start in June.”
Toronto coach John Schneider also expressed his intention to put Hyun-jin Ryu in the starting rotation immediately upon his return. If Ryu Hyun-jin makes a healthy comeback, Manoa seems to be more than happy.