Blue Jays ace Ryu will officially start Opening Day vs. Yankees

Charlie Montoyo announced Hyun Jin Ryu as the Blue Jays' opening day starter, and talked about the improvements he's seen in the pitcher from this year compared to last.

Toronto Blue Jays ace Hyun Jin Ryu will officially be on the mound for Opening Day, Charlie Montoyo announced Friday night.

Ryu, 34, was a finalist for the AL Cy Young award last season, going 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.149 WHIP. So far this spring, Ryu has a 1-0 record with a 1.50 ERA and 0.667 WHIP. This will be his second consecutive Opening Day start with the Blue Jays.

Montoyo said the team is not yet ready to make any further pitching decisions and said he hasn’t ruled out Robbie Ray for opening weekend. The lefty, who currently has a bruised elbow, did plyometric work Friday and may soon begin a throwing progression depending on how he’s feeling.

Nate Pearson has been doing long toss as of late, and may throw a bullpen in the future — although no date has been set for that, per Montoyo.

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