With advances in science and training techniques,메이저놀이터 Major League Baseball and the rest of the world are undergoing a restraint revolution. This was evident at the 5th World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March, where Major League Baseball and other countries like Japan joined the ranks. In Korea, pitchers are gradually increasing their velocity, especially among young players.

As a result, we’ve entered an era where 100 miles per hour (160.9 kilometers per hour), which was a headline-grabbing number just a decade ago, is no longer special. It’s not uncommon for pitchers to average over 95 mph (152.9 km/h) as starters. We are reaching the human limit. In that regard, Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto)’s numbers are interesting in another way. Although he”s slow, he”s one of the best in the majors.

Ryu wasn’t always a fastball pitcher. There’s no doubt that he was a “command guy” with elaborate pitches and location. Still, there were times when his basic four-seam fastball made a difference in the outcome of a game. There was a time when an average of 90 mph (144.8 km/h) became an iconic reference point. This is because it seemed that if the fastball averaged over 90 mph, the pitcher would do well, and if not, he would struggle.

After undergoing elbow ligament reconstruction surgery (Tommy John surgery) in June of last year, Ryu’s velocity was expected to rise a bit more. Once he”s free of elbow pain, he”ll be able to throw the ball harder. During his year-long rehabilitation, other parts of his body should have been strengthened and reinforced. However, the expectations have not yet been realized. Even with the added sinker movement, Ryu’s average fastball velocity is 88.3 mph (142.1 km/h), down from last year’s 89.3 mph, which was the lowest of his career.

Still, Ryu’s numbers are strong. In five starts since returning from injury, he’s gone 3-1 with a 2.25 ERA in 24 innings pitched. While it’s still a small sample size, his batting average (.211), walks per nine innings (1.00), and average fastball velocity (86.7 mph) are all among the best in the league. On July 27 against Cleveland, he pitched five innings of three-run ball (two earned) to earn his third win of the season. With a fastball that sits in the low 80s, he has shown incredible command.

Ryu has been perfecting his velocity lately, including against Cleveland on July 27.

Ryu’s curveball is one of the slowest in the league, but it has tremendous power.

Ryu has been pitching well since returning from injury ⓒToronto club SNS

Against Cleveland, Ryu gave up two solo home runs, but the rest of the inning was uneventful, showing the veteran’s true colors. The sixth inning crisis stemmed from a series of infield errors. Ryu induced a total of 11 swings and misses on the day, with his curveball reaching a 57% swing rate. The home run he gave up to Ramirez in the first inning was a mistake, but the home run he gave up to Freeman in the fifth was hardly a mistake, as Freeman was targeting the curveball from the start.

But the velocity wasn’t back, as his fastball topped out at 90.8 mph on the day, but his average (88.2 mph) wasn’t far off his season average. The expectation is that “the velocity is going to go up,” but we’re not seeing that yet. If anything, he’s been trying to lower his average velocity on his curveball and create more separation from his four-seam. In a way, it’s a meaty pitch, which is even more curious given his overall performance this season and his position in the majors.

Ryu’s velocity is near the bottom of the league. Among players who have thrown at least 250 pitches this season, his four-seam average is eighth from the back. It’s the sixth slowest among orthodox players and the third slowest among lefties. His curveball, which has proven to be a blessing in disguise this year, has an average velocity of just 69.6 mph (112 km/h). Among pitchers who have thrown 250+ pitches this year, he ranks last in the league in curveball velocity. Ryu is the only player in the majors with a curveball average in the 60s.

Rob Friedman, who runs the pitching analysis site Pitching Ninja, marveled after Ryu’s outing against Cleveland on July 27 that “most other pitchers are looking at the top of their fastball, and he’s looking at the bottom of his.” But there’s a very good reason why Ryu is having success with that velocity, according to the expert.

Buck Martinez, a veteran commentator for Sportsnet, the Canadian sports network and host broadcaster in Toronto, pointed to Ryu’s wealth of experience and reliable delivery as factors in his success. “What’s surprising is that even though his velocity hasn’t returned to pre-Tommy John levels, Ryu has been able to hang in there with his changeup and curveball,” Martinez said on July 27, adding, “It’s not surprising given that he’s thrown 2,350 innings at the professional level, including in Korea.”

Ryu Hyun-jin is showing the true colors of an ace ⓒToronto club SNS

Ryu receives cheers from home fans every day ⓒToronto team SNS

He went on to talk about the benefits of utilizing all four pitches effectively. “My changeup is really good. The curve, changeup, and four-seam come from the same delivery. It’s very natural and everything is under control,” he said, explaining why hitters can’t help but be fooled. It’s hard to predict what the next pitch will be because there are no clues on the pitching form. Combine that with throwing different pitches at different spots, or even the same spot, and hitters are bound to be confused.

Martinez and the Sportsnet crew talked about Ryu’s pitching after his return, saying, “He can throw all of his pitches after 2S, and he’s been throwing his curveball very efficiently since coming back from injury. We can also talk about his experience. He’s thrown 2500 innings, including in Korea,” he said, adding, “He’s also a very good defender. He holds his position well,” he said. Ryu is becoming more and more of a “unique” player in the major leagues.