Former Toronto Blue Jays ace calling it a career, retiring following Dominican Republic 10-0 rout
Photo credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Former Toronto Blue Jays left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu has decided to retire following Korea's 10-0 loss at the hands of the Dominican Republic in the WBC quarterfinals.
The 38-year-old from Incheon, South Korea made the announcement after the game, which ended by mercy rule in the seventh inning at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.
The defeat marked the end of South Korea's tournament run and the final professional appearance of Ryu's career.
After spending 11 seasons in Major League Baseball and nine seasons pitching in the Korean Baseball Organization, the veteran left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu has decided to step away from the game.
🚨BREAKING End of an era.
Korean LEGEND Ryu Hyun-jin has officially retired from the national team, today was his final appearance. Thank you for giving your all to your country for over a decades period of time
Korean LEGEND Ryu Hyun-jin has officially retired from the national team, today was his final appearance. Thank you for giving your all to your country for over a decades period of time
«I think this will be my last time with the national team,» Ryu said following the loss. «I wish the ending had been better, but it was an honor to represent Korea again and play alongside the younger players.»
South Korea reached the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals for the first time in 17 years after finishing second in Pool C.
However, they were unable to keep pace with a powerful DR roster led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and several other major league stars.
Ryu was given the start in the quarterfinal matchup and also appeared earlier in the tournament during Korea's pool play game against Chinese Taipei.
In his final outing, he allowed three runs on three hits and two walks across 1 2/3 innings.
He worked through a scoreless first inning but ran into trouble in the second before being lifted.
Ryu's career in Toronto had mixed results
Ryu joined the Toronto Blue Jays ahead of the 2020 season after signing a four-year contract as a veteran free agent.
His arrival came as the organization was transitioning out of a rebuilding phase.
His first season in Toronto was shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, while the following year the Blue Jays were forced to play much of their schedule away from Rogers Centre before returning home late in the season.
In 2022, Ryu's season ended early after just six starts when he underwent Tommy John surgery. He returned late in 2023 and made 11 starts down the stretch, helping Toronto secure a Wild Card berth.
Ryu finished his Blue Jays career with a 3.97 ERA over four seasons. After the 2023 season, he returned to South Korea and spent the past two years pitching for the Hanwha Eagles before retiring.
We here at Blue Jays Central wish Hyun Jin Ryu the best of luck in retirement and in his future endeavors.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 15|101 ANSWERS Former Toronto Blue Jays ace calling it a career, retiring following Dominican Republic 10-0 rout Were you a fan of Hyun Jin Ryu when he was a Toronto Blue Jay? | ||
| Yes | 78 | 77.2 % |
| No | 23 | 22.8 % |
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