The morale dropped as three star pitchers withdrew due to injury, but the 39-year-old former MLB left-hander from Korea lifted spirits.

The Korean pitching roster for the World Baseball Classic has suffered numerous injuries. Head coach Ryu Ji-hyun stated on the 23rd that during a period of low team morale, 39-year-old ex-Los Angeles Dodgers left-handed pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin took the initiative to encourage the coaching staff, greatly uplifting the team.

Recently, the Korean team lost two key pitchers, Moon Dong-joo and Won Dae-in, due to injuries. Earlier, Korean-American closer Riley O'Brien was also sidelined because of a calf injury sustained in spring training, making him unable to represent Korea. As the pitching staff faced setbacks, Ryu Hyun-jin personally encouraged the head coach: “Coach, those of us still here will unite and give our all—please trust us.” Ryu Ji-hyun expressed deep gratitude for Ryu Hyun-jin’s proactive encouragement during a time when players were dropping out due to injuries, which had indeed dampened the team’s spirit.

Ryu Hyun-jin, who last represented the national team at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, is returning after 16 years and is regarded as the spiritual leader of Korea’s Classic team. In an interview, he said, “The only thing that’s changed since then is my age. Pitching on the mound is the same now as it was back then.”

Ryu Hyun-jin stated, “Although some players are sidelined with injuries, new teammates have joined and are integrating well. I will work hard to create a positive atmosphere, and the younger players are cooperating actively. The team spirit is very good.” Currently, Ryu has not yet joined the national team but is participating in spring training with his KBO club, the Hanwha Eagles. On the 21st, during live batting practice, he pitched two innings using only 19 pitches, allowing one hit with no runs. He then threw 21 pitches in bullpen sessions, showing improving form.

Ryu Hyun-jin plans to extend his next outing to three innings, adjusting his conditioning to meet the target pitch limit of 65 pitches per game for each pitcher.