Yang Hyeon-jong appears to be participating in the opening game of the MLB

Texas Yang Hyun-jong pitched impressively in his first demonstration match against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was evaluated as a bullpen pitcher in the opening game of the major leagues. [사진 텍사스 레인저스]

Yang Hyun-jong (33, Texas Rangers), who is challenging the MLB, is gradually increasing his presence. Although he hit a home run in his first appearance in the MLB demonstration game, MLB.com expected him to enter the opening roster. Texas coach Chris Woodward (45) also gave a passing score for both the skills and attitude of Yang Hyun-jong.

On the 8th (Korea time), Yang Hyun-jong scored 1 strikeout and 1 run in 1 inning, 2 hits (1 home run), 1 strikeout and 1 run against the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Surprise Stadium in Arizona, USA. After signing with Texas, he made an impressive showcase with 21 balls in his first real match.

The start was good. He climbed the mound at the beginning of the 8th inning, leading 4-2 and turned his first batter into a missed swing. The second batter was also caught with a center fielder fly and filled two out counts with 10 balls. However, he threw a flat slider at the right-handed hitter DJ Peters in a ball count 2 ball and 1 strike, and was hit with a left home run. Yang Hyeon-jong, who gave one more hit, overcame the crisis and ended pitching with the shortstop’s lake rain.

In an interview with the local media after the game, Yang Hyun-jong said, “It was more exciting than the tension at the first start. (Unlike bullpen pitching) There are batters at bat, and there are spectators, so I threw it fun.” It was like a 15-year professional veteran. “It wasn’t a good start, but I think I can throw my ball in the next game. I have to compete (with other pitchers) for the next three weeks. I want to show a better appearance every time I play.”

The local atmosphere is also not bad. MLB.com expected the MLB opening roster (26 players) for the 2021 season, which was released on the homepage of each club that day, and classified Hyunjong Yang as a Texas bullpen pitcher. It was not included in the final goal, the starting line, but it is an encouraging evaluation.

Yang Hyun-jong signed a split contract with Texas (a contract that differentiates between major and minor salaries) and participated in the camp as an invited player. The first goal is to enter the opening roster and step on the MLB mound. The lack of left-handed pitchers in the Texas starting line is also a boon for Yang Hyun-jong. MLB.com picked Kyle Gibson, Dane Dunning, Mike Poltinevic, Arihara Gohei, and Colby Allard as the five Texas starters. Allard is the only left-hander. There is also a possibility to change positions after the opening.

Director Woodward looked at Yang Hyun-jong. In particular, he gave a high score to Yang’s composure. In an interview with MLB.com, Woodward said, “Yang Hyun-jong threw a good ball and played well as we saw in the bullpen. The excitement (of the first pitch) did not affect Yang’s pitching. This is very rare.”

“The home run was the only fault, but if our team knew more of Peters’ information (who hit the home run), Yang Hyun-jong would have played a different pitch,” Woodward said. He added, “Yang Hyun-jong is a player who has a very good personality and a sense of humor.” This is a remark that shows that Yang Hyeon-jong, who was the spiritual proprietor of the athletes during the KIA, settled in the Texas locker room.

For Yang Hyeon-jong, the remaining games are important. After checking the physical condition, I will discuss the schedule of the next pitch with the pitching coach. Yang Hyun-jong said, “I am not 100% adapted to the MLB official ball, but it is gradually improving. I am thinking positively in many ways,” he expressed his confidence. “I want to say thank you for the support from Korean fans in Korean before the game. I’m also grateful for the club that appreciates my strengths. In the future, I would like to find a balance of pitching and return with a better figure.”

Reporter Bae Youngeun [email protected]