'Nail, I hope you return as soon as possible' Despite the time-limited contract, Kia Stout digests the first bullpen (Gwangju site)

Aug 29, 2024

◇photo courtesy of the KIA Tigers

Eric Stout, who joined the KIA Tigers as a substitute for James Nail, threw his first bullpen pitching.

Stout threw 30 balls at Kia Champions Field in Gwangju on the 29th. Stout, who worked with catcher Han Jun-su, showed a variety of pitches, including fastballs, changeups, cutters, and sliders. The maximum speed of fastball is 144 kilometers. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho and his coaches closely monitored Stout's pitching.

◇photo courtesy of the KIA Tigers

Stout, who started against Rakuten in the Taiwanese professional baseball league (CPBL) on the 23rd and played five innings, finished pitching in the bullpen and said, "I'm in good condition." I didn't throw it with all my strength, and I focused on checking my physical condition. In the second half, he pitched with the game situation set.' Regarding the feeling of catching a KBO League official ball and the weather " (compared to a Taiwanese official ball), it feels a little small and thick." The weather is a little hot, but it's okay because it's similar to Taiwan. I'll try to adapt well before my first appearance."

Stout, a left-hander, was 6-5 with a 3.28 ERA in 12 games last year while wearing a mid-body uniform. He renewed his contract this year and pitched 113 ⅔ innings in 19 games with a 10-5 record and a 2.77 ERA. While giving up 27 walks, he struck out 109 with a strikeout. CPBL's record of 3rd place with multiple wins and 4th place with strikeouts.

◇photo courtesy of the KIA Tigers

Stout, who was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th round of the 2014 rookie draft, made his first big league debut in the 2018 season. In the 2022 season, he played 22 ⅓ innings in 20 games as a bullpen agent for the Toronto Blue Jays and went through the Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates that year. Last year, he joined Jungshin while playing for Triple-A in the minor league and began his challenge on the Asian stage.

Stout said "I want to show the fans what helps the team win as much as possible. I hope my nails will get rid of my injuries and come back soon"I will try to win the team by pouring everything I have in the meantime (until Nail recovers from her injury)."

Manager Lee Bum-ho, who watched Stout's bullpen pitching on the day, checked four to five pitches, and he threw all of them well. Good change-up and good sweeper angle. The left and right movement of the cutter is good, too. "I think we brought the best players in the conditions given to us."

ppark@sportschosun.com

'Nail, I hope you return as soon as possible' Despite the time-limited contract, Kia Stout digests the first bullpen (Gwangju site)

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