Hyun-jin Ryu Ready to Make Major League Debut Versus Giants

Hyun-jin Ryu vs. Madison Bumgarner

Dodgers Lineup: vs. Giants

After an impressive Spring, Dodger fans look forward to Ryu’s MLB debut. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Hyun-jin Ryu hopes to continue the positive momentum which his colleague Clayton Kershaw begun on Opening Day Monday afternoon. The Korean left-hander looks to pick up his first Major League win on Tuesday night and help the Dodgers not only defeat their rivals but also secure the team’s first series win of the season. Clayton Kershaw opened the season on a historic high note by not only pitching a complete game shutout, but he also hit his first ever Major League homerun. It was an exhilarating moment I will never forget. Clayton Kershaw’s homerun was a no doubt abouter, and it was hit to the deepest part of center field. As he began running the bases, the stadium exploded and we did not stop cheering hoping that Kershaw would tip his hat. Kershaw said after the game that his thoughts were still on the final three outs of the game which he was determined to finish. What an amazing talent! His performance was astonishing, and I hope it is just a taste of things to come for these 2013 Dodgers.

I’ve also been highly anticipating Ryu’s debut. After watching him this Spring, I’m confident that he will be able to transition from Korean baseball to the Majors successfully. His first test will come on Tuesday night versus San Francisco, and there’s none better a test than to go out and pitch your first Major League game against the reigning World Champs.

The Dodgers signed Ryu to a six-year $36 million deal last December. The 26-year old was an experienced pitcher out of the Korea Baseball Organization for Hanwha. Ryu went 2-2 with a 3.29 ERA, 27 strikeouts, and 8 walks in 27 1/3 innings pitched this Spring.

Don Mattingly had this to say about Ryu’s impressive Spring:

"“He’s pitched really well, as good as anybody in camp. He’s earned that [No. 2] spot.”"

Madison Bumgarner, the young lefty, has become a solid part of the Giants’ rotation. Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

The Dodgers will face Madison Bumgarner who they have had trouble against in the past. Last season, the Dodgers only faced the lefty once on August 20th. Bumgarner struck out 10 Dodgers over 8 shutout innings at Dodger Stadium. Last season the 23-year old had a record of 16-11 with a 3.37 ERA and 191 strikeouts in 208 1/3 innings pitched. In his career against the Dodgers, Bumgarner is 5-2 with a 2.98 ERA. Of the Dodgers who have had more than 10 at-bats against the southpaw, Juan Uribe has hit him the best with a .273 batting average in 11 at-bats. No Dodger has hit a homerun against Bumgarner as of yet.

It may be another pitcher’s duel for game two. Can the Korean superstar gain fame in L.A.? Tomorrow the second game of the season will bring more Dodger baseball drama and excitement. Monday’s Opener was truly an unforgettable performance from Clayton Kershaw. Now we will watch Ryu as he makes his grand entrance into the role of his lifetime.