SSG has decided→ Doosan also depends on the live pitching in Yokishi on the 3rd, when the final choice is imminent

Jul 02, 2024

(from left) Shirakawa Keisho-Eric Yokishi. Sports Chosun DB

SSG Landers chose a foreign pitcher after much consideration. Attention is being paid to the Doosan Bears' upcoming choice.

SSG officially announced the choice of Roenis Elias on the 2nd. Short-term substitute pitcher Keisho Shirakawa naturally ends his contract. SSG recruited Shirakawa as a short-term foreign player to replace injured players as Elias needed rehabilitation for about six weeks due to an internal oblique muscle injury.

Shirakawa, who played in the Japanese independent league, had 2 wins, 2 losses and a 5.09 ERA in five KBO league games. Among them, the ERA recorded in four games was 2.49, except for eight runs (7 earned runs) in one ⅓ against the Lotte Giants.

KBO League SSG and KIA match held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 17th. SSG Elias, who is pitching as a starter. Incheon = Song Jeong-heon Reporter's songs@sportschosun.com/2024.04.17/

At the end of the django, SSG turned to Elias. SSG explained, `We checked Elias' physical condition and skills through six weeks of rehabilitation and two Futures appearances, and decided that he was more competitive in strengthening the starting lineup in the second half, including the advantages of left-handers and abundant starting experience.'

Doosan, which has been waiting for the SSG selection, is also about to make a decision. Doosan's foreign player Brandon Waddell was excluded from the entry on the 24th of last month due to left scapular muscle damage. It is scheduled to be re-examined after 3 weeks, but it required a rehabilitation period of more than 6 weeks.

Dusan starter Brandon is pitching hard in a game between NC and Doosan at Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 18th. Jamsil= Reporter's wook@sportschosun.com/2024.06.18/

While looking for alternative foreign players, SSG's short-term foreign player contract termination overlapped.

I didn't just wait for the SSG decision. Doosan also moved quickly. He contacted Eric Jokish, who has a lot of KBO league experience, and expanded his options.

Yokishi wore the Kiwoom Heroes uniform in 2019 and played ace in the KBO League with a 56-36 record and a 2.85 ERA in 130 games in five seasons. It was a double-digit win for four seasons before leaving in June 2023 due to an adductor injury.

Yokishi pitched once on the 30th of last month. The result was not bad. An official from Doosan said, "It was a schedule of throwing the ball after entering the country on the 29th without being able to rest properly. "He threw the ball better than I thought he would have been in a situation where he didn't adjust well to the time difference," he said. "I think there is room for improvement as Yokishi is not the type to press the opponent with ball power."

Yokishi is scheduled to do a live pitching in Icheon on the 3rd.

Doosan plans to make the final choice between Yokishi and Shirakawa through a meeting after the live pitching of Yokishi on the 3rd. However, there is a rain forecast on the 3rd, so if it is canceled, it can be pushed back to the 4th.

Both Yokishi and Shirakawa have their own strengths and weaknesses. Yokishi is receiving high scores for his abundant KBO league experience and records. However, for about a year, he has not had a real sense of play. Shirakawa, on the other hand, threw the ball until recently. However, he has yet to experience a big game at a young age. There is also a possibility that he will return to his home country as he dreams of nominating a Japanese professional baseball team.

Doosan will make a final decision by putting it all together. Shirakawa and Yokishi. The probability of watching in the KBO League is still 5 to 5.

bellstop@sportschosun.com