[마이데일리 = 최창환 기자] Mel Lohas Jr. and Raul Alcantara (Lee Sang Han Shin), who advanced to the Japanese professional baseball based on their performance in the KBO League, were caught up in variables. According to the Japanese government’s policy following the spread of Corona 19, the timing of entry has become uncertain.
Japanese media’Nikkan Sports’ reported on the 6th, “It seems that the joining of the Hanshin Tigers between Lohas and Alcantara will be delayed due to the aftermath of Corona 19.”
In Japan, the number of corona 19 confirmed again recently increased. According to the Japanese government announcement on the morning of the 6th, 3,332 people were confirmed on the 5th. The Japanese government has stopped new entry for foreigners to prevent the spread of Corona 19.
As a result, foreign players who newly played in Japanese professional baseball were also caught. According to’Nikkan Sports’, foreign players who played in Japanese professional baseball last year are allowed to enter Japan with work visas remaining. However, new foreign players cannot go through the visa issuance process for the time being.
“It may be difficult for Lohas and Alcantara to join the spring camp in February,” said Hanshin headquarter through’Nikkan Sports. Currently, visa issuance has stopped.” Head of headquarters Han Shin said, “As the government’s policies are changing from time to time, we must pay close attention. There are also talks about the ban on travel to Asian countries.”
Meanwhile, Lohas, who won the MVP of the 2020 season, signed with Hanshin for $5.5 million for two years and went to Japanese professional baseball. Alcantara, who played with Lohas at KT Wiz in the 2019 season, also moved to Doosan Bears with an average ERA of 2.54 in 20 wins and 2 losses in 2020, and signed a contract with Hanshin for $4 million in two years.
[멜 로하스 주니어. 사진 = 마이데일리DB]