Art pitching with a difference of 45km between highest and lowest, Ryu Hyun-jin increasing value in an era where 6-inning starts are disappearing

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 It wasn’t such a big deal in the past. Until 2013, when Ryu Hyun-jin (36) first appeared on the big league stage, there were 80 starting pitchers who averaged more than 6 innings per game. It was natural for a starting pitcher to pitch 6 innings and then come off the mound. Ryu Hyun-jin also started 30 games and averaged more than 6 innings, recording a total of 192 innings.안전놀이터

Not anymore. All managers worry about the timing of replacing starting pitchers. The 5th and 6th innings, when you face the opposing batting line for the third time, always pose a challenge. The number of pitches is also strictly limited to around 100. As a result, the proportion of middle pitchers has increased, and it has become difficult to find starting pitchers who can handle long innings.

This is true even if you just look at the average innings. Last year, there were only 25 starting pitchers with an average of 6 innings or more, up from 80 10 years ago. There were 11 people in 2021, the first full-time season after COVID-19, and 29 in 2019 before COVID-19. The average for the last three seasons on a full-time basis is only about 22. As of the 13th (Korean time), there are only 18 starting pitchers with an average of 6 innings or more this season.

So, we can give meaning to Ryu Hyun-jin’s 6th inning pitch against Texas on the 13th. It wouldn’t be a big deal to turn back the clock, but now it’s different. On this day, Ryu Hyun-jin threw 82 pitches, allowing 5 hits, 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, and 3 runs in 6 innings. He allowed the most points since he gave up 4 runs against Baltimore on the 2nd of last month, which was his comeback game, but pitched his first 6 innings this year. In addition, it was a quality start (QS: 6 or more innings as a starter, 3 earned runs or less) 480 days after the Cincinnati game on May 21, 2022.

We live in an age where starting pitchers are struggling, but Ryu Hyun-jin proves his value with his own art pitching. It’s been a long time since the standard for fastballs was 100 mph, but Ryu Hyun-jin still catches batters even at a top speed of 90 mph. In the game against Texas on the 13th, Ryu Hyun-jin recorded a maximum four-seam speed of 90.6 miles (about 145.8 km) and a minimum curve speed of 62.5 miles (about 100.5 km). The difference between his highest and minimum velocity is 45km, and he struck out standing with a curve that hit the minimum velocity.

The maximum four-seam velocity must be 90 mph or higher. That’s true for Ryu Hyun-jin. Even if his velocity is only this high, he can complete the mission with a variety of combinations of cut fastballs, change-ups, curveballs, and even the occasional two-seam fastball. Ryu Hyun-jin continues his value as a finesse pitcher representing the big league even during the elbow surgery rehabilitation season.

In addition, if it looks like it is now, there is bound to be demand in the free agent market this winter. Even though the contract period is short, he is suitable as an immediate force for the Winnow team. The starting pitcher’s ERA this season is 4.48 (as of the 13th). This is also a significant increase compared to 4.01 in 2013. This is the highest figure since 4.54 in 2019, showing that the recent struggles of starting pitchers in the major leagues are continuing.

Ryu Hyun-jin’s career ERA in the big league is 3.25. Although the sample this season is only 8 games, it is at a high level of 2.93. He promised to return to the KBO league with his skills maintained, and he is expected to be a high-level starting pitcher in the big league for at least a year or two.