Ryu Hyun-jin (39, Hanwha Eagles) will take the mound as starting pitcher against the Dominican Republic in the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals.
Team Korea manager Ryu Ji-hyun announced Ryu Hyun-jin as the starting pitcher for the March 14 quarterfinal match during a press conference following official practice at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida, on March 13 (Korea time).
After practice on March 12, Ryu Hyun-jin spoke with Korean reporters about his determination. "I will do my best to ensure the game against the Dominican Republic is not my last wearing the Taegeuk mark," he said.
Ryu Hyun-jin has performed well at loanDepot Park during his Major League Baseball career.
In September 2020, while playing for the Toronto Blue Jays, he earned a win against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park, pitching six innings with five hits, two walks, eight strikeouts, and one earned run.
The Dominican Republic will start left-handed ace Cristopher Sánchez (Philadelphia Phillies). Born in 1996, Sánchez has appeared in 104 MLB games from 2021 to 2025. Last season, he posted a 13-5 record with a 2.50 ERA and 212 strikeouts.