Dodgers News: Hyun-Jin Ryu Looking To Improve Next Season
Ryu again wont 14 games in 2014, though saw a slight jump in his ERA, and twice was sidelined by shoulder issues. Greeted by a large group of media members upon arriving in South Korea, Ryu said he was disappointed in missing time and is looking forward to next season, via Jon Weisman of Dodger Insider:
Overall it was a good year, but unfortunate I missed many starts due to my injuries. My offseason goal will be to stay in shape. I’m already focusing on next season.”
Compared to the benchmarks he reached in 2013, Ryu made four less starts this season and threw 40 less innings. Ryu said part of his off-season training will include preparing himself to once again throw close to 200 innings:
My goal next season is to pitch close to 200 innings. I’ve done that consistently during my professional career, and this was the first time it was low due to injury. I will start working this offseason so I can get my inning count up for next season.”
With Clayton Kershaw placed on the disabled list after his first start this season, Ryu was pressed into starting duty for both the Dodgers’ U.S. and home openers. Including his season debut on March 22 in Australia, Ryu made three starts in a span of 13 days, which may have played into the shoulder inflammation he dealt with in late-April.
Ryu’s second injury was shoulder irritation on Sept. 12 that kept him off the mound for the remainder of the regular season. He returned for Game 3 of the NLDS and allowed just one run in six innings.
As a team essentially built around their frontline starting pitchers, Ryu’s ability to build on his success will further strengthen the rotation.
