Despite enjoying considerable success at the forefront of the Los Angeles Dodgers starting rotation this season, Hyun-Jin Ryu has taken a considerable step back as of late.
The left-hander is 0-3 with a 9.95 ERA and 2.00 WHIP in 19 innings of work over his last four starts dating back to Aug. 17. For perspective, the 2019 All-Star had compiled a 12-2 record with a 1.45 ERA in 22 previous outings and was considered by many the frontrunner to earn National League Cy Young Award honors.
Some have speculated that fatigue is the main factor in Ryu’s recent struggles, pointing to the fact that he has logged 161.2 innings on the year — easily his most since his rookie season in 2013.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has maintained a different opinion and reiterated Ryu’s ongoing rough patch corresponds to a lack in executing pitches, via Zachary Silver of MLB.com:
“I think that Hyun-Jin is just so physical, he’s strong and he works hard,” Roberts said. “I think that there is something to [his] changeup just being up three more inches that it typically is, and at the big league level, that’s a big deal. And [his] fastball being three inches off the plate, that’s a big deal. I do think that it’s not a velocity thing, it’s not a stuff thing — it’s just more of an execution.”
As Roberts highlights, Ryu’s once-excellent command has taken a turn for the worst over the last month of play. He issued a season-high four walks in his most recent start against the Colorado Rockies on Sept. 4 at Dodger Stadium, which was especially surprising considering his usual pinpoint accuracy at home this year.
While Roberts has previously voiced confidence Ryu will ultimately return to his previous elite form in time for the postseason, the Dodgers elected to give their ace some extra rest this week.
Ryu’s most recent turn in the starting rotation was skipped, as he did not face the Baltimore Orioles. Instead, the 32-year-old returns to the mound on Saturday for a potential National League Division Series showdown against Jacob deGrom and the New York Mets.
Ryu’s 27th start of the season will be on 10 days’ rest, which marks his longest of the season, excluding stints on the 10-day injured list.
