Dodgers Hyun-Jin Ryu is Willing to Come Out of the Bullpen for Game 5 vs. Nationals in 2019 NLDS
The Dodgers are sending up one of their aces, Walker Buehler, up to the bump today with Clayton Kershaw available to relieve in any situation.
With the all hands on deck mentality, the Dodgers 2019 Cy Young contender, Hyun-Jin Ryu has told Korean reporters that he is willing to come out of the bullpen in tonight’s must-win game! This is according to Dodgers reporter David Vassegh of the Dodger owned radio station AM 570 LA.
The last time Ryu made a relief appearance was in May of 2017 where he came in for a four out save vs. the St. Louis Cardinals. It was the first time since Charlie Hough in 1970 that a Dodger recorded a save in their first relief appearance.
After that game, Ryu game some insight on the differences in getting ready for a relief appearance:
“It was hard to time myself because I didn’t know when I would be coming in,” he said. “It was definitely more difficult. I knew I wasn’t pitching one or two inning, it would be multiple innings, and I planned accordingly. I felt good about not giving up runs, I got the save, we won and they didn’t have to pull me out of the game.” – Hyun-Jin Ryu MLB.com
Despite being available, Dave Roberts has already commented on using Ryu tonight:
Roberts added “it’s highly unlikely” Hyun-Jin Ryu pitches tomorrow but he’s available.
— Jorge Castillo (@jorgecastillo) October 8, 2019
Today is a must-win game and with all the strategy and analytics in play, hopefully the Dodgers don’t close the door completely on using Ryu in the right spots.
What do you think? Do you use Ryu tonight in Game 5?
