Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Bae Ji-hwan challenges full-time experience following a major league ‘taste’.
Bae Ji-hwan tasted the joy of being called up to the major leagues for the first time on September 24 last year (Korean time). Signing a minor league contract with Pittsburgh in 2018 and moving to the United States, a meaningful result that I tasted in 4 years. Last year, Bae Ji-hwan recorded 11 hits in 33 at-bats, 5 runs, 6 RBIs, and 3 steals in 10 games, a batting average of 0.333 and an OPS of 0.829.
Bae Ji-hwan, who was recognized for his performance last year and his endless efforts in the exhibition games this year, was named to the opening 26-man roster for the first time after joining Pittsburgh. While not guaranteed a spot in the major leagues for the entire season, Bae Ji-hwan was the first to have a chance among his competitors.
Bae Ji-hwan’s abilities are his quick feet and defensive ability. The ‘Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’, a local Pittsburgh magazine, recently predicted, “Bae Ji-hwan is quite fast and has a variety of positions, so he will be used often. He will probably be often seen as a runner in the second half of the game.”
Pittsburgh will start with second baseman Rodolfo Castro and shortstop O’Neal Cruz. Bae Ji-hwan, as their back-up infielder, is expected to take a look at the starting pitching opportunity during their break after playing as a major runner and major defensive player. It is expected that the number of business trips will increase significantly compared to last year.
The club gave Bae Ji-hwan a chance. Now it’s Bae Ji-hwan’s turn to respond. Bae Ji-hwan appeared in 19 games in the demonstration game and recorded 11 hits in 47 at-bats, 6 points, 2 RBIs, 11 strikeouts and 2 walks, a batting average of 0.234 OPS and 0.535. It is a positive factor that the batting average increased in the second half of the opening season.
In defense, he mainly played second baseman and shortstop in demonstration games, but also played as center fielder, showing his utility defense ability. If he shows off a wide range of defense based on his quick feet, the affection of the club can grow. 온라인카지노
Bae Ji-hwan was named on the opening roster along with Choi Ji-man. It is the first time that two Korean fielders have been included in the opening roster. Attention is focusing on whether Bae Ji-hwan, who has a reliable senior to rely on this year, will be able to continue the accumulated experience with his abilities.
Bae Ji-hwan said at the spring camp, “Veteran players joined ahead of this season. Competition will be fiercer because veterans take their places.” It is a dream to be in charge,” he said with a strong determination.