Jacob deGrom (35, Texas Rangers) has turned into a ‘glass body’ ace. Once again, he withdrew due to an injury during the match. And Dunning, a Korean big leaguer, took care of it.
DeGrom started on the 29th (Korean time) in the 2023 major league home game against the New York Yankees held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, USA, 3⅔ innings, 1 hit, 2 strikeouts, 1 walk, no run. MLB.com said, “DeGrom left due to injury concerns. He felt tight in his forearms.”
This is not the first time deGrom’s sudden grater. On the 18th, against the Kansas City Royals, he could not get on the mound anymore after going 4 innings, striking out 5 and walking 1 scoreless. At the time, he had pain in his wrist. If you go back a bit more time, pitching build-up was hindered by side tension in spring camp.
It is a fact that deGrom became a ‘glass body’. After July 8, 2021 against the Milwaukee Brewers, he had to rest for a year with shoulder and elbow issues before returning against the Washington Nationals on August 3, 2022. From that point on, I had concerns about my health, and my grades weren’t as overwhelming as before. Nevertheless, Texas gave deGrom a five-year, $185 million (approximately 248.1 billion won) contract ahead of this season메이저사이트. The risk has undoubtedly materialized.
After deGrom stepped down, Dunning, a Korean big leaguer, suddenly took over the mound. Dunning returned to health this season after completing hip surgery and rehabilitation at the end of the 2022 season. Although he refused to join the WBC Korean national team, preparation for a healthy season was the priority.
As Texas significantly strengthened its starting lineup this year, Dunning took on the dual role of long relief and setup man. Condition management is a very difficult role, but he is doing well. On this day, he became the winning pitcher with 3 hits, 1 strikeout, 1 walk and 2 runs in 3⅓ innings. This season’s record is 2 wins and 3 holds in 8 games, an average ERA of 1.77.
He had frequent mistakes. As soon as he got on second out and first and second base in the fourth inning, he handled Oswald Peraza with a ground ball to third base. In fact, the 91-mile four-seam went into the middle, but luck followed. In the 5th inning, 2nd out, 3rd baseman, Kyle Higashioka, 91 mile four-seam went a little high and got a left-handed hit. In the 6th inning, he gave up a sacrifice fly to center fielder Willie Calhoun after facing a 1 out 3 base crisis with a sand ball and a wild throw. Still, he blocked the 7th inning with a triple strike.
Dunning took over the mound when deGrom retired after pitching only 4 innings against Kansas City on the 18th, and won a relief victory with 1 hit, 5 strikeouts and 1 walk in 4⅓ innings. Coincidentally, both of Dunning’s victories this season were games in which deGrom started. Someone has to take on the role on the team, but it’s not an easy role, and Dunning is doing it.