Dodgers' Ryu Hyun-jin to pitch against Arizona next month

The Los Angeles Dodgers have announced its roster for the new season 10 days ahead of the opening of the 2018 season. The official site of the Major League Baseball (MLB) said Monday the Dodgers have confirmed the 2018 season lineup, introducing the lineup for the Dodgers pitchers, including Ryu Hyun-jin. After Clayton Kershaw starts opening day, he will be followed by Alex Wood, Maeda, Rich Hill and Ryu Hyun-jin in that order, according to Manager Dave Roberts.

According to the rotation order, the South Korean left-hander will play as a starter against the Arizona Diamondbacks on April 3. As the Dodgers will play the first four games in its home stadium, Ryu will be responsible for bringing his team victory in the first away match of the season.

Arizona, which is in the same National League West as the Los Angeles Dodgers, ranked second following the Dodgers (104 wins and 58 loses) with 98 wins and 69 loses in the last season.

Since his debut in MLB in 2013, Ryu has posted a 3-3 record out of 10 with a 3.77 ERA against the Arizona last season. In his latest match against the Arizona on September 6, he had seven stikeouts in six innings without losing a point.

Ryu has not been at his best condition in recent matches during the spring training. After two starts, he lost a total of nine points during 5 2/3 innings with a 14.29 ERA. Ryu has been tinkering with his pitches recently, increasing the spin rate of his curveball. But it seems he needs more time to make it his own.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts has been supportive of Ryu saying that his pitches were better and stronger than the last season. Ryu is scheduled to play as a starter for two more spring training games.


Bae-Jung Kim wanted@donga.com