Dodgers 2019 Player Reviews: Hyun-Jin Ryu

Matt Kartozian/USA TODAY SportsAfter closing out the 2018 season on a strong note, the Los Angeles Dodgers extended Hyun-Jin Ryu a one-year, $17.9 million qualifying offer. Rather than test free agency, the left-hander accepted it and returned to the organization for a sixth season.

Ryu was essentially betting on himself to continue pitching at a high level, which in theory would translate to a lucrative, multi-year contract the following winter.

With both Clayton Kershaw and Rich Hill sidelined to begin the 2019 season, Ryu was tabbed with starting duties for the Dodgers on Opening Day. In six innings of work, he limited the Arizona Diamondbacks to just one run on four hits while striking…