“It is not a situation where we can wait any longer.”
It seems that SSG Landers will take out a foreign pitcher replacement card. The pitcher who will fill the void left by Annie Romero due to injury has also been decided to some extent.
SSG coach Kim Won-hyung mentioned a substitute foreign player ahead of the 5th game of the season against KT Wiz in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 3rd.
SSG has been looking for a replacement foreign pitcher after Romero left with a shoulder injury during spring training. After much consideration, it is known that a contract with left-hander Loenis Elias (35) is imminent.
The Cuban-born Elias made his big league debut in 2014 with the Seattle Mariners. That year, he made a name for himself by going 10-12 with a 3.85 earned run average in 29 games and 163⅔ innings, but since 2015 he has only added 12 wins in the big leagues.
After that, he went through the Boston Red Sox and Washington Nationals, and signed a minor contract with the Chicago Cubs before this season. He is posting a 5.48 earned run average with 2 wins in 4 games, 21⅓ innings, at Triple-A without a big league appearance.
His career major and minor league performances are 22-24 with an earned run average of 3.96 in 133 games and 395⅔ innings, and an earned run average of 4.34 with 46-39 in 158 games and 688 innings, respectively.
Director Kim also did not deny that a contract with Elias was in progress.
Coach Kim said, “It’s not exactly 100% of the contract (with Romero). Problems with Romero have not been sorted out. I can’t say for sure (the contract) has been concluded, but I have heard information about Elias.”스포츠토토
He added, “He is throwing the ball and he said that he is showing good pitching in the minor leagues. He was born in 1988, but he has good pitches and speed. It is not a situation where we can wait any longer. We are finally moving in the direction of signing with Elias.” .
The club thinks that the replacement foreign pitcher will join in May. However, it is expected that it will take some time to get to the actual stage.
Manager Kim said, “You have to come in during this month. Looking at the various procedures, you are not in a state where you can play for at least two weeks after entering the country. You have to adjust to the time difference and you have to play in the second group.” .