The game against Miami on the 5th (Korean time) was special for Kenta Maeda (35‧ Minnesota), who made a name for himself as a solid starting pitcher on the major league stage. This is because it was his first game on the mound healthy again after recovering from elbow ligament reconstruction surgery (Tommy John surgery).
Maeda threw the ball at a maximum speed of 148 km that day and fought hard with 3 hits, 9 strikeouts and 1 run in 5 innings. Although the game was defeated instead of victory due to the monster pitching of opponent ace Sandy Alcantara (Miami), it was a thrilling day just for Maeda to be able to throw more than 5 innings in good health.
Maeda was on the operating table due to a torn elbow ligament at the end of the 2021 season, and after a year and a half of long-term rehabilitation, he joined the opening rotation this year. There were concerns about his elbow surgery, which he received at a considerable age in his mid-30s, but as he returned to health, he was more confident about Tommy John surgery.
After the match, Maeda said, “It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t win, but the content of the pitching was good, and I’m very happy and happy to be on the mound in the major leagues like this. It was a hill after a long time, so I was a little nervous, and I had a strange feeling that was different from usual, but it was good sensory,” he said. “I spent time in rehabilitation for a year and a half. I was able to return to today’s mound thanks to the support of the team’s trainers, outside trainers, and other people who were in charge of rehabilitation. I want to do my best to repay the favor properly without forgetting that feeling in the future.”
Maeda’s successful comeback can also be a hopeful element for Ryu Hyun-jin (36, Toronto). Ryu Hyun-jin underwent elbow surgery in June last year. Ryu Hyun-jin recalled that he was in so much pain and that the degree of ligament damage was so severe that he could not avoid surgery. Ryu Hyun-jin is spurring rehabilitation with the goal of returning in July.
Another long-term rehabilitation can be a burden for Ryu Hyun-jin, who has also undergone shoulder surgery. However, Ryu Hyun-jin showed a positive attitude during this spring training, saying, “You have to trust Tommy John.” Compared to his shoulder surgery, elbow surgery is a relatively conquered field. Since the muscles are less complicated than those of the shoulder, the chance of success with the surgery is high. Not everyone makes a successful comeback, but Ryu Hyun-jin was also able to focus on rehabilitation because there was hope. 바카라사이트
Ryu Hyun-jin is determined to digest the minor league rehabilitation starting in June and return to the major league stage around the All-Star break, if he is currently progressing. During spring training, Toronto coach John Schneider encouraged him, saying, “I will join the starting rotation as soon as Ryu Hyun-jin returns.” There is no problem with the status in the team. Following Maeda, it is noteworthy whether Ryu Hyun-jin will be able to successfully exit this dark tunnel.