Ex-Blue Jays pitcher set to face Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Dominican Republic in WBC quarterfinal
Photo credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu will have a difficult challenge ahead when he takes the mound for Team Korea against Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Dominican Republic on Friday.
The World Baseball Classic quarterfinal round is now underway, with Korea set to face the Dominican Republic at 6:30 p.m. ET in Miami.
Korea advanced after finishing second in Pool C behind Japan, while the Dominican Republic enters the matchup unbeaten after claiming first place in Pool D with a win over Venezuela.
Former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu, is scheduled to start for Korea opposite Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cristopher Sanchez for the Dominican Republic.
Approaching his 39th birthday, Ryu has continued to perform well in the KBO.
In 2025, he posted a 3.23 ERA across 26 starts for the Hanwha Eagles.
In his most recent WBC outing, Ryu surrendered a solo home run but limited further damage, striking out three batters over three innings of work.
Hyun Jin Ryu strikes out Stuart Fairchild to get out of the jam!!!
Ryu will have on of the toughest lineups he has ever faced to navigate through
However, the veteran left-hander will now face one of the most dangerous lineups in the tournament.
Among the biggest threats is Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Ryu's former teammate and the reigning American League Championship Series MVP.
Through three games in the tournament, Guerrero has been red hot at the plate, batting .500 with a 1.583 OPS.
He has recorded a double, two home runs and seven RBIs in just 12 at-bats.
A #WORLDBASEBALLCLASSIC PLAKATA FOR VLADDY! 😤
Ryu will need to navigate a Dominican lineup loaded with offensive firepower, including Guerrero, Juan Soto, Fernando Tatis Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Manny Machado, Junior Caminero, Ketel Marte and Oneil Cruz.
During his time with Toronto, Ryu compiled a 3.97 ERA and recorded 269 strikeouts in 315 innings across 60 starts.
The veteran pitcher spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball from 2013 through 2023, including four seasons with the Blue Jays between 2020 and 2023.
The winner of Friday's quarterfinal matchup between Korea and the Dominican Republic will advance to the semifinals on Sunday at 8 p.m. ET, where they will face the winner of the quarterfinal game between Team USA and Canada.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 13|56 ANSWERS Ex-Blue Jays pitcher set to face Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Dominican Republic in WBC quarterfinal Do you think the Dominican Republic will light up Korean starter Hyun Jin Ryu? | ||
| Yes | 49 | 87.5 % |
| No | 7 | 12.5 % |
| List of polls | ||