Bae Ji-hwan (Pittsburgh Pirates), who is on the verge of entering the MLB opening roster, improved the sense of hitting by hitting a hit in an exhibition game three days before the season opening.
On the 28th (Korean time), Bae Ji-hwan started as a 9th batter and second baseman against the Minnesota Twins in the 2023 Major League Baseball exhibition game held at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers, Florida, USA, and recorded 1 hit and 1 strikeout in 4 at-bats. He also showed his utility ability, playing second base and center field.
Bae Ji-hwan, who hit in two games after the Detroit Tigers match on the 25th, slightly increased his batting average from 0.244 to 0.262 in the demonstration game. 카지노사이트
Bae Ji-hwan, who showed his presence in the demonstration game, is likely to enter the major league opening roster. Pittsburgh local media ‘Trip Live’ said, “Pittsburgh has organized its big league camp personnel to prepare spots on the opening roster for Bae Ji-hwan, Kanan Smith and Eunjiba.”
Pittsburgh is scheduled to open its major league game against the Cincinnati Reds on the 31st. If Bae Ji-hwan is listed on the opening roster, it will be the first time since advancing to the United States in 2018.
Bae Ji-hwan signed a contract with the Atlanta Braves in 2017, but the contract was terminated when the Atlanta club violated the contract regulations. Bae Ji-hwan signed a contract with Pittsburgh in 2018 and moved toward the big leagues, and at the end of last season, his major league debut dream came true.
Bae Ji-hwan’s career record in the major leagues is a batting average of 0.333, 6 RBIs, 5 runs, 3 steals, and an OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.829 in 10 games.
Bae Ji-hwan, who withdrew from his first at-bat in the third inning that day with a floating ball from center fielder, took a chance with two outs on first and second base in the fourth inning, but struck out against Caleb Thielba on a swing. Even in the 7th inning, he was out with a floating ball to the third baseman and went hitless for 3 consecutive at-bats.
Bae Ji-hwan’s hit came in the last at-bat. In the ninth inning, Bae Ji-hwan, who was back at bat with no out on first base, hit Michael Boyle’s high fastball and hit the left-hander. Bae Ji-hwan, who stepped on first base, was immediately replaced by a runner.
Pittsburgh lost to Minnesota 4-8 despite Michael Escoto’s 3-run home run at the table set by Bae Ji-hwan. Pittsburgh suffered five consecutive losses from the Boston Red Sox on the 24th, and the exhibition game record was 9-17.
Choi Ji-man, who plays together with Bae Ji-hwan in Pittsburgh, did not get a chance to play in this game.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh is scheduled to play its final exhibition game against Minnesota on the 29th.