Bae Ji-hwan (24, Pittsburgh), who made his major league debut last year, set his biggest goal of entering the opening roster this season. Underlying him was a sense of urgency that he was worthy of a challenge, but that he could not be assured.
Pittsburgh, which was in the process of rebuilding, recruited three veteran fielders ahead of this season: Andrew McCutchen, Choi Ji-man, and Carlos Santana. I didn’t bring them in to use in the minor leagues. There were three fixed spots on the major league roster, and on the other hand, it was as if their spots were gone for the younger players. This is why Bae Ji-hwan was unable to guarantee an opening roster despite his advantage as a utility player who can play both in and outfield.
Besides, the start of the exhibition match was not good. He had only one hit in his first 12 at-bats. He added to the frustration because his quick feet are something that can only be shown once he gets on base. The ominous prospect that he might be dropped from the opening roster is also starting to emerge. However, Bae Ji-hwan, who played silently, is now on the verge of hitting a come-from-behind home run.
Pittsburgh had a plan to experiment with Bae Ji-hwan at the beginning of the exhibition game, and as a result, such a strategy saved Bae Ji-hwan from a crisis. Bae Ji-hwan, who recovered his batting condition by hitting his hits little by little, raised his batting average in the exhibition game from 0.083 to 0.270. He is 5-for-10 hitting in his last four games. His steals are also consistently successful. He didn’t miss a single one of his four attempted steals.
It is evaluated that entering the opening roster has also become influential. Pittsburgh reporter Rob Biertemple of the North American sports media ‘The Athletic’ predicted Pittsburgh’s opening roster at this point on the 25th (Korean time), and Bae Ji-hwan was included in this list.
For starters in the infield, we expected catcher Austin Hedges, Carlos Santana (1st base), Rodolfo Castro (2nd baseman), O’Neill Cruz (shortstop), Kibrian Hayes (3rd baseman), and Choi Ji-man (designated hitter). In the outfield, Brian Reynolds (left fielder), Andrew McCutchen (right fielder), and Jack Swinsky (center fielder) are expected to be the main players. 메이저사이트
Bae Ji-hwan was named on the bench. Bae Ji-hwan has the versatility to play not only as second base and shortstop, but also as center fielder. On the 25th, Pittsburgh dropped outfielder Travis Swagerty and utility player pitcher Pita Macano to Triple-A, who competed directly or indirectly with Bae Ji-hwan. It can be seen that Bae Ji-hwan’s chances of survival continue to increase.
If Bae Ji-hwan maintains this flow, he can also enjoy the excitement of being listed on the first individual roster. When he achieves his goal, another fight to keep his place is scheduled.