SEOUL — In his highly anticipated return to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) after more than a decade in Major League Baseball (MLB), Ryu Hyun-jin experienced a challenging start on Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the former MLB ERA champion struggled with his control and was let down by his defense, contributing to an 8-2 loss for the Hanwha Eagles against the LG Twins.
In his first regular-season game back in South Korea since 2012, Ryu pitched 3 2/3 innings, giving up five runs on six hits and three walks. The game marked a stark departure from Ryu's dominant past in the KBO and his success in MLB, reflecting the difficulties of his adjustment back to the Korean league. An error by second baseman Moon Hyun-bin exacerbated the situation, leading to three unearned runs that increased the pressure on Ryu.
The pitcher, who first played for the Eagles from 2006 to 2012, received a warm reception from fans, reflecting his esteemed status in South Korean baseball. Despite this support, Ryu could not capitalize on a promising start, which saw him retire the first three batters with nine consecutive fastballs. As the game progressed, the Twins' batters adjusted, successfully targeting Ryu's fastballs and contributing to the Eagles' deficit.
Ryu's performance contrasts sharply with his years in MLB, where he became known for his precision and effectiveness on the mound. His return to South Korea had generated significant excitement, underscored by sold-out preseason games and high viewer engagement online.
Despite the disappointing outcome, Ryu acknowledged the support from fans and expressed his determination to improve in subsequent games. This start marks the beginning of the end of Ryu's illustrious career, now back in his home country, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the KBO as he did in MLB.