Blue Jays pull Ryu in 2nd inning after allowing 7 runs

Toronto Blue Jays have lifted ace Hyun Jin Ryu from Game 2 of the wild-card series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday after seven runs allowed (three earned) in 1 2/3 innings.

Ryu had escaped a rocky first with only one run allowed despite getting knocked around for four hits and seeing shortstop Bo Bichette commit a throwing error. The second proved more disastrous with the final blow coming off a Hunter Renfroe grand slam.

It was a rare dud for the lefty, who went 5-2 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.15 WHIP over 12 starts in his first campaign with the Jays. Ryu signed a four-year, $80-million contract with the club during the offseason.

The Rays will advance to the ALDS if the Blue Jays are unable to mount a comeback from the seven-run deficit.