When Hyun-Jin Ryu accepted the the one-year qualifying offer this past winter, the Los Angeles Dodgers knew they could count on a solid pitcher. One exception — a notable one considering his history — was health.
Ryu was sidelined for a brief stretch because of a groin strain but has otherwise been the best pitcher thus far in 2019. Through his first nine starts, Ryu is 6-1 with a Major-League leading ERA (1.52), WHIP (0.74) and strikeout to walk ratio (14.75).
He is currently in the midst of the best stretch of his career, carrying a 31-inning scoreless streak after tossing seven shutout frames in Sunday afternoon’s win against the Cincinnati Reds. Other outings included in the stretch are a complete-game shutout against the Atlanta Braves and taking a no-hitter into the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals.
When asked about Ryu’s start to the season, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts compared it to the success Cody Bellinger has also had thus far, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“Absolutely. No. 1, obviously he’s healthy and just the feel that he has right now, it really doesn’t matter; the conditions, situation, extra days off, regular (rest). I guess you can kind of relate it to Cody, the first six weeks of the season and how he’s been. Hyun-Jin, you can sort of parallel that.”
Bellinger also leads all players in many offensive categories, including batting average (.405), on-base percentage (.485), slugging (.791), runs scored (42) and RBI (44). His 17 home runs are tied for second behind only Christian Yelich.
While a lot of the attention goes to other stars on the team, namely Clayton Kershaw, Justin Turner, Corey Seager and Kenley Jansen, Ryu and Bellinger have been the leaders on the field so far this season.
As it currently stands, Bellinger has to be considered the favorite to win the National League MVP Award and the same could be said for Ryu and the Cy Young. He was on a similar trajectory last season before a torn groin derailed his season.
Assuming Ryu continues on his current pace, he will remain in the conversation for the Cy Young Award and help the Dodgers boast a formidable rotation come postseason play.
