Ryu gets legendary lesson from Koufax

GLENDALE, ARIZ. -- Hyun-Jin Ryu, fresh off his first bullpen session with Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax Friday, is ready for another.

Koufax suggested a different release for Ryu's curveball, which the Korean left-hander said he wasn't yet comfortable with.

Ryu said he's hoping Koufax not only can share advice on mechanics, but also on pitching approach.

"That was a side session, and I want to know how he utilized the curveball in a game," Ryu said through interpreter Charlie Lee. "I asked questions and he told me about where to put pressure on my thumb when I release the ball. I want to learn situation by situation, when to use it and where to throw it."

Ryu's primary pitches are a change-up and fastball. He also has a curveball and slider, but has not yet started to throw the slider this spring.