Ryu Hyun-jin (39, Hanwha Eagles) has turned back the clock in the first half of this season, reminiscent of his prime years. With an impressive 8-2 record and a 2.67 earned run average (ERA) in 15 starts, he’s been the de facto ace for Hanwha, stepping up amid struggles and injuries plaguing the foreign pitchers.
But has the first-half workload taken its toll? Ryu’s second-half performance has been a stark contrast. In five starts, he’s winless with an 0-2 record and a bloated 9.41 ERA. Even after a lengthy rest, he’s struggling to break free from this deep slump.
Ryu has surrendered at least four runs in each of his five second-half outings. On July 25 against the LG Twins, he was roughed up for four runs in just two innings. The nightmare continued on August 13 versus the Doosan Bears, where he was chased after 3⅓ innings, having allowed eight runs (seven earned).
Hanwha’s competitiveness in the first half was largely due to their starting rotation. Despite bullpen woes, the performances of Ryu, Wang Yan-cheng, Owen White, and Park Jun-young kept them in the hunt for fifth place.
However, this edge has dulled in the second half. Apart from Wang, the rotation has faltered. With their greatest strength diminished and weaknesses still unaddressed, the Eagles are struggling to gain traction.
After the excitement of last year’s Korean Series runner-up finish, Hanwha’s playoff aspirations this season are fading fast.
Currently sitting in seventh with a 49-58-3 record, they’re nine games behind fifth-place Doosan. While over 30 games remain, bridging this gap is a tall order. Factor in the competition from sixth-place Lotte Giants and eighth-place NC Dinos, and their odds look even slimmer.
To keep their playoff hopes alive, Ryu’s resurgence is paramount. As the team’s veteran leader and emotional anchor, if he can recapture his first-half form, it could spark a team-wide revival. The Eagles can’t afford to sideline their ace, even amid his struggles.
Ryu takes the mound for his sixth second-half start on August 26 against the SSG Landers.
He’s faced SSG more than any other team this season, with decent results. Prior to this matchup, he’s 2-1 with a 3.18 ERA in four starts against them. His numbers in Incheon are even better: 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA.
Ryu’s last win came on June 11 against the KIA Tigers. After a two-month victory drought, he’s desperate to snap this skid and notch a W.
Hanwha’s second-half slide (9-18-1) has them languishing at the bottom of the standings. To keep their faint playoff hopes flickering, they need a major turnaround led by their ace. All eyes will be on Ryu to see if his potential comeback can reignite Hanwha’s postseason dreams.