May 14, 2022; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu (99) walks off the field in the fourth inning during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Blue Jays, Hyun Jin Ryu still determining next stage of rehab

Originally posted on MLB Trade Rumors | By Mark Polishuk | Last updated 6/11/22

It has been a little over a week since a forearm strain sent left-hander Hyun Jin Ryu to the 15-day injured list, and Ryu and the Blue Jays are still determining the next stage of rehab.

Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith writes that Ryu has met with noted specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache and is also going to seek out other opinions.

Hyun Jin Ryu (elbow) had an appointment with Dr. Neal ElAttrache per #BlueJays. Different treatment options have been discussed. Jays will get additional opinions on next steps.

Short version: still gathering info. Decision to come.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) June 10, 2022

As with any forearm injury, there was immediate speculation that Ryu would require Tommy John surgery, and it isn’t yet known if such a major procedure is necessary.

The fact that Ryu wasn’t immediately slated for Tommy John surgery is perhaps a positive sign that his forearm strain doesn’t involve any serious UCL damage. On the flip side, it is possible that a procedure was the initial recommendation, and Ryu and the Blue Jays are trying to find a second opinion that involves an alternative recovery treatment. It certainly seems like Ryu is in for a lengthy absence regardless, and if he does ultimately require Tommy John surgery, his tenure in Toronto could already be over.

Tommy John rehab usually takes 12-15 months, and Ryu is only under contract through the end of the 2023 season.

This article first appeared on MLB Trade Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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