A surprise star from Japan's independent league who ignited the introduction of KBO Aquo eventually climbed the operating table. Please wait
Feb 13, 2025
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On the 13th, Shirakawa uploaded a photo of his right elbow wearing an assistive device on his SNS. At the same time, he said "The report was too late"I had elbow surgery in December last year. Now I'm rehabilitating for my return. I'll return quickly and definitely go back to the mound, so please wait."
Born in 2001, Shirakawa was the first foreign player to replace the injury in the KBO League. Last year, when the SSG Landers left due to injury, Roenis Elias, who is 'Ace', he used the league's new rules to search for an injury replacement.
Japan was the best place to find an injured player who was virtually on loan in a short period of time. Shirakawa, a pitcher of Tokushima Indigo Sox 'Ace' where Ha Jae-hoon played in the past in the Japanese independent league, which is quite high, decided to be okay and stepped on Korean soil while offering.
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In the end, SSG chose Elias to return, but this time, the Doosan Bears sent 'Love Call'. Doosan chose Shirakawa while considering Eric Jokish and Shirakawa as foreign players to replace Brandon Waddell, who was injured at the time. However, in the second half of the year, Shirakawa left the KBO League after leaving a regret due to injuries and sluggishness.
However, it is undeniable that Shirakawa's presence has created a new wind in the KBO League. This is a case that showed directly that players from Japanese independent leagues, not from Japanese professionals, can work in the KBO league to some extent. Until Shirakawa, it was not easy to take chances, but by using the alternative foreign player system, he was able to play in a real game with less cost burden.
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After breaking up with Doosan, he returned to his home country of Japan. He returned to Tokushima, his original team, and expected to be drafted by NPB (Japan Professional Baseball), which was his goal, but unfortunately, it failed.
However, if he finishes his rehabilitation well this season and builds up his body again, he may be able to return to the KBO League. The Asian quarter system, which will take effect next year, should be a member of the Asian League just before or in that year, but Shirakawa, a member of the Japanese independent league, is a very suitable target. In particular, it is more likely because he is a pitcher who has completed his skills verification in the KBO League.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
