“The pitcher throws the ball, but isn’t it the catcher who calls the plays?”
The Kookmin batters feel the void of the ‘15.2 billion catcher’ acutely. Even at the age of 36, his batting is among the best in the league, but the presence of the best catcher in the game is even greater.
Doosan Bears Yang-ji was sidelined with an injury on June 6, complaining of side pain. He was out of the first team roster for eight days.
He is scheduled to undergo another medical examination on the 18th. Doosan head coach Lee Seung-yeop commented on the timing of Yang’s return, saying, “The side is a very careful area. You can still feel a little bit of pain,” he said.
“If there is no major problem, I would like him to come in right away,” he laughed, before explaining, “First of all, we need to get a clean bill of health tomorrow, talk to the player himself, and think about how to help our team.”
Yang is arguably the best catcher in the KBO, as evidenced by the 17.7 billion won he received in two free agent transfers.
Jang Seung-hyun and Park Yoo-yeon are filling the void, but it’s not enough. Lee realizes that the team must have a clear alternative in case of his absence.
“Of course, Yang Ji is an irreplaceable catcher, but we need to have a second or third plan if he is injured. We still don’t have other players to step up.”
In particular, Lee said, “It’s a day when Jang Seung-hyun’s shoulders will be heavier than Brandon’s. As a catcher, I want to give more importance to defense,” he said, explaining, “That’s why (Jang Seung-hyun) is playing despite his low batting average.” Jang Seung-hyun had a batting average of less than 2 percent (1-for-9) before today’s game. 메이저놀이터
“Yesterday, there were some disappointments in the ball mix. I hope that Jang Seung-hyun will refer to the previous day’s game, learn from his mistakes, and show a different side today. He can learn from this experience, and if he can make fewer mistakes, it will be good for the team.”
Unfortunately for his teammates, Doosan starter Brandon struggled in the first inning, giving up six runs on eight hits in four innings, including a three-run homer to KT’s Jang Jang-woo. He stayed on the mound until the top of the fifth inning, but was pulled after giving up back-to-back singles to Alford. The outing pushed Brand’s season ERA from 2.06 to 2.94.