The Lotte Giants have high hopes for their new foreign pitcher, Aaron Wilkerson, 34. Wilkerson is also motivated by his experience in Asia. 토토사이트 His ‘macho temperament’ is evident in every word he speaks and he is motivated.
Lotte released foreign pitcher Dan Stratley on April 18 and signed new foreign pitcher Aaron Wilkerson. The total amount is $350,000 ($250,000 salary, $100,000 incentive).
Wilkerson, a right-hander with a height of 188 centimeters and a weight of 104 kilograms, went undrafted but signed an amateur free agency with the Boston Red Sox in 2014 and made his major league debut with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2017. He made 14 appearances in the big leagues and has a career minor league record of 58-31 with a 3.42 ERA in 158 games (783⅔ innings). Last year, he went 5-5 with a 4.08 ERA in 14 games (70⅔ innings) for the Hanshin Tigers. In the early part of the season, he was given a chance to fill in for Hanshin during the COVID-19 pandemic and was named the Central League MVP in May. However, he struggled in the second half of the season and ended his season prematurely due to the pandemic and was not re-signed.
Wilkerson, who arrived on the 19th, will throw a live pitch on the 22nd and is expected to be ready for a first-team game sometime next week. Manager Larry Sutton said before the game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Sajik Stadium in Busan on the 21st, “Wilkerson is a veteran pitcher and has experience in Japan. He’s a veteran pitcher, and he’s showing his presence as a veteran pitcher, and he’s adjusted right away. I expect him to utilize his various pitches well.” “We have a live pitch scheduled for tomorrow (22nd). I threw a live game about two weeks ago and also pitched in the bullpen before coming to Korea. I didn’t have a lot of rest. If I finish the live pitching well, I will pitch next week.” Wilkerson will likely make his debut next week against Doosan in Jamsil.
Wilkerson, who met with reporters at Sajik Stadium on the 21st, said, “I played in Japan, so I’m not unfamiliar with the Asian stage. I had a great experience in Japan and wanted to come to the KBO. It’s great to be able to play ‘real baseball’ in Korea,” he said, adding, “I’m determined to help the team climb to a higher ranking.” Below is a one-on-one interview with Wilkerson.
-How do you feel about coming to Korea?
“So far, so good. I’m still adjusting to the time difference. I’m from Arizona, and it’s 40 degrees and dry in the States, but it’s humid here. I’m adjusting to make sure I’m in the best shape for the competition.
-You’re no stranger to the Asian stage, having competed in Japan.
I think it’s similar, and I’ve experienced similar weather in the United States. I’m trying to get my body in the best shape possible for the game.
-Why did you accept the offer from the Lotte Giants of the KBO?
I had a great experience in Japan, and I originally wanted to come to the KBO. I wanted to stay in Japan, but I was frustrated that it didn’t work out. In Japan, it was easy to approach everyone and the food was good. I found out last year that I like the Asian stage, so I don’t think I’ll have any problems in Korea. Also, with the new rules in Triple-A, such as robot umpires and automatic strikes, it’s hard.
