Is Dodgers Ace Hyun-Jin Ryu In A Mini-Slump?
Dodger ace Hyun-Jin Ryu has been fighting his usually impeccable command and appears to be mired in a mini-slump. In 3 August starts, the Korean Monster has an ERA of 5.82 in 17 innings pitched. However, the last 2 of those starts, he has totaled 10 innings pitched while allowing 11 earned runs.
The NL Cy Young favorite now finds himself with a season ERA of 2.00, with a record of 12-4.
?Pitcher on Pitcher Crime?
[I grant a pardon to Ryu because there were two runners in scoring position/Self Defense. ????] pic.twitter.com/SX10143XVY
Hyun-Jin Ryu, Nasty 73mph Curveball vs. the Big?.
h/t @DevanFink— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 24, 2019
Every ballplayer slumps, and yes, pitchers fall into the equation. While walks haven’t been an issue in this slump, his command does appear to be suffering. After serving up only 10 home runs all season, the All-Star lefty has now allowed 5 over his last 10 innings.
That is absolutely a cause for concern, but it should be something that Ryu will be able to overcome. He did spend a short period on the 10-day IL with neck stiffness — which seems to be floating around the clubhouse — so the injury could still be lingering. Or perhaps the short layoff took him out of his rhythm. It’s important to note that Ryu is now 9-1 at home, but 3-3 on the road.
Nevertheless, Ryu has had a great season thus far, and he should remain the favorite to win the NL Cy Young award. But, he needs to bounce back from these two performances, and fast. Not just to win the Cy Young award, but to get into a postseason groove. The Dodgers will need all hands on deck to make a run in the postseason, and Ryu will be vital to any potential World Series run.
Ryu is back to pitching like he always has pre 2019 unfortunately.
Hate to say this but I am not a Ryu believer. Chokes in the biggest moments. But what bothers me most is our self proclaimed juggernaut offense. Bats are inconsistent, sometimes taking up to 5 innings before hits start to come. This does not look like championship calibre baseball to me.
and if you noticed, they were no match for a good LHP and Robetr’s lefty lineup FAILED for the um-teenth time!!!!!!!!
It appeared every batter the Dodger’s sent up was 0 and 2 when they stepped into the box.
Between Ryu’s last two starts and the Dodger’s offense last night and for much of the game prior, , this was one of those, “Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play.?” moments.
Wow. I am sure glad this wasn’t an actual WS game because it looked a lot like a Dodger performance against the Astros in 2017, when they also went yard 5 times to blow the Dodgers out of the water. And while it was a run away game, I could have cashed in AGAIN on betting Yimi Garcia would give up yet another HR. Just because he’s out of options, can anyone tell me why he is still here?
A very good question. Perhaps because they can’t find anyone better? Which then takes us back to the passed trade deadline discussion of doing more with less, or whatever that was Friedman said.
Unfortunately the Dodger starting rotation will need to carry the defense, with the inconsistency of the bullpen. So when Ryu, Kersh, & Co. get blown out early, and especially when the offense is not producing, God help us.