'Phew, I almost won and felt sorry' The ML slugger, who was hit by a small ball, avoided the worst injury
Nov 14, 2024
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Joan Moncada, a member of the `Premier 12' Cuban national team and major leaguer, started the match against South Korea at Taipei Tianmu Stadium in Taiwan on the 14th, but faced an unexpected situation in the top of the fifth inning.
South Korea is leading 6-0 with Kim Do-young's grand slam. In the top of the fifth inning, Cuba faced a chance to get on the second and third bases with two outs. Taking the batter's box, Moncada faced Korea's second pitcher So Hyung-joon.
However, Cho Hyung-joon's ball hit the wrist. Moncada, who complained of great pain, collapsed as it was, and the Cuban coaching staff immediately ran to the ground to check Moncada's condition. And Moncada decided that he could no longer play, so he replaced it. Instead of Moncada, pinch runner Berto Valdoquin stepped on the first base.
After the replacement, Moncada was seen on the broadcast screen sitting in the dugout and icing with a serious expression on his right hand. Korean broadcasters commentators may also suspect a fracture. The injury area and the situation are not good enough."
Moncada, who played for the Chicago White Sox until this year, ended this season and his contract with the White Sox ended. He has not played properly this season due to an injury, and is currently trying to find a new team through the participation of 'Premier 12'. Currently, multiple Major League teams are watching closely with interest in recruiting Moncada.
Under these circumstances, he participated in international competitions with a will, and if he gets seriously injured due to dunes, it could have a big impact on his career next season. It's a mistake that happened during the game, not intentionally, but Cho Hyung-joon, the person who threw the ball, can't feel comfortable either.
Fortunately, the fracture appears to have been avoided. The official SNS account of the Cuban Baseball League said that "After the match against Korea, coach Armando Jonsson, the Cuban national team coach, said Moncada's right hand was not fractured."
As a member of the Cuban national team, I was able to feel relieved. Cuba has lost both games to the Dominican Republic and South Korea so far, and is on the verge of being eliminated with two consecutive losses.
youll@sportschosun.com
