I expected the maximum Hector Noesi, but the record is getting closer to Ronnie Williams (2022 season 10G 3 wins 3 losses average ERA of 5.89). This is the story of Adonis Medina, a foreign pitcher for the KIA Tigers.
KIA, which recently lost 5 games in a row, fell to 7th place in the league with 14 wins and 17 losses in the season. It seemed like they were looking to enter the top ranks, but KIA entered a downward trend by recording a losing series against SSG Landers last week in a situation where the starting matchup was ahead in three consecutive home matches.
In the end, KIA had to taste the series sweep loss after a lethargic performance that was overwhelmed in all three consecutive matches against the Doosan Bears last weekend.
Among them, the defeat suffered during Medina’s appearance was also painful. Medina started against Doosan in Jamsil on May 13 and recorded 5 hits (1 home run), 6 strikeouts and 5 runs (2 earned) in 6.1 innings. Shortstop Park Chan-ho’s catch mistake at the end of the first inning was the decisive blow, but it was a pity for Medina that he gave up three balls with unstable control.
KIA coach Kim Jong-guk said of Medina, “If it weren’t for the three balls, it showed a generally good pitch. He hit a home run, but I think his power control has improved. He said, “I think his pace has improved after pitching 8 scoreless innings.” He seems to be mentally weak when he lets out a runner,” he expressed regret.
There is an atmosphere of concern from the outside over Medina, which has already won 5 losses. However, inside the club, they look at Medina as “there is more room to watch.” Recently, Medina entered a pitch design revision with the club. It is a direction to reduce the proportion of two-seam fastballs and increase the proportion of other breaking balls such as cutters, sliders, and changeups.
In fact, in the start against Doosan on the 13th, Medina filled nearly half of the pitches with sliders and cutters. The 3-run situation at the beginning of the 1st inning was largely affected by a defensive error. Excluding the home run allowed to Yang Eui-ji in the beginning of the 5th inning, it can be analyzed as a pitch with sufficient potential for development.
In the end, the key is how much Medina will show a picture of a rebound through a different pitch design in the remaining three starts in May.스포츠토토
A KIA official said, “When Medina started on the 13th, the pitch design was greatly modified and the ball was thrown. It was regrettable that he had a defensive error in the first inning and three balls, but I think we should watch the pitches he throws with a different pitch design during May. The atmosphere is not easy because there are no pitchers in the local foreign player market. He said, “I think we should look at the overall situation by June and make a judgment.”
If there is a big problem with health or the pitch itself, it is more bleak, but Medina is in a situation where pitch design and stable control are problems. If he shows a reversal in the rest of May, there is a good chance that Medina will transform from an ugly duckling into a swan in an instant. I wonder if we will be able to see Hector’s second coming this season, which was expected from Medina.