Blue Jays’ Hyun Jin Ryu set for rehab start Saturday in triple-A Buffalo

May 2, 2022 | 2:24 PM

TORONTO — Blue Jays pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu will pitch Saturday for triple-A Buffalo as he works his way back from a stint on the injured list with forearm soreness.

The South Korean was placed on the 10-day injury list April 17, one day after giving six hits and five earned runs in a 7-5 loss to Oakland. Ryu, who won 14 games for the Jays last season, is in the third year of a US$80-million, four-year contract with Toronto.

Whether Ryu will need another rehab assignment will depend on Saturday, said manager Charlie Montoyo.

“He felt really good about the live BP (batting practice) that he had here,” said Montoyo.

In other updates, the Jays said outfielder Teoscar Hernandez (left oblique strain) was headed to Dunedin for his rehab. Florida was chosen because of inclement weather in Buffalo.

Montoyo said Hernandez could be back by the weekend.

Pitcher Nate Pearson, whose start to the season was disrupted by mononucleosis, is slated to throw a bullpen session Tuesday. Montoyo said the goal is to stretch him out as a starter, although he could be used in relief.

“He’s still got to pitch good down there to come here,” Montoyo said of a likely rehab stint in the minors. “Our pitching has been outstanding here so he’s got to go there and pitch.”

Pitcher Tayler Saucedo remains out with hip discomfort. Fellow left-hander Ryan Borucki (finger blister) is scheduled to throw live batting practice Tuesday or Wednesday in Toronto.

Infielder Cavan Biggio is out of COVID protocols. But third base coach Luis Rivera was ruled out of Monday’s game due to contract tracing.

First base coach Mark Budzinski switched to third with field co-ordinator Gil Kim taking over at first.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 2, 2022.

The Canadian Press