Houston Witcom announces 'Hit + steal + score explosion' in ML exhibition game 'Hit + Korea'

*This content was translated by AI.

With pitchers missing one after another due to injuries, the shoulders of the fielders became heavier. As a result, Korean baseball fielders Shay Witcom (28, Houston Astros) and Germay Jones (29, Detroit Tigers) cruised in the exhibition game, relieving Ryu Ji-hyun, the coach of the Korean national baseball team.

Witcom started as the sixth batter and third baseman in the 2026 Major League (MLB) exhibition game against the Washington Nationals at Cactus Park of the Palm Beach in West Palm Beach, Florida, on the 22nd (Korea time) and recorded one hit, one run, one stolen base and one strikeout in three at-bats.

Witcom, who took the batter's box with two outs in the top of the second inning, hit Jake Ether's fastball and stole second base. When the opposing pitcher threw wild pitches and Nick Allen's infield hit, he dug home.

In the top of the third inning, he struck out swinging with two outs and the bases loaded, and in the top of the sixth inning, he made a big hit, but was caught by left fielder Leandro Pineda, swallowing regret. He was replaced after the top of the sixth inning.

Witcom's batting and footed scoring were the only points Houston made on the day. Houston, which was tied up with four hits, lost 1-2.

Another Korean-born player, Jones, started as the first batter and right fielder in an exhibition game against the New York Yankees and had no hits and one walk in two at-bats. In the game, he gave up six home runs to the Yankees and lost 3-20. Aaron Judge, the MVP of the American League (AL), gave his team a big victory with two home runs.

The national baseball team has been continuing its second camp in Okinawa, Japan since the 15th, following the improvement of its condition in Saipan's first camp last month. He is developing his sense of practice by playing practice games with KBO league teams, and it is important for each team to make their own bodies as it is difficult for big leaguers to join.

In the meantime, Dane Dunning (32, Seattle Mariners) left a satisfactory result with one hit, one strikeout and two walks in one ⅔ inning in an exhibition game against the San Diego Padres, followed by Witcombe and Jones successfully coordinated their senses.

Those who were listed side by side on the final list of the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) national team announced on the 6th are expected to maximize the power of the national team, which is suffering from injuries.

In particular, unlike Jones, who was originally expected to be selected, Witcom is expected to be the biggest variable. He, who can play not only infield positions but also outfield, has yet to leave a special presence in the big leagues, but in Triple-A, he became the home run king with 35 cannons in 2023 and showed off his big guns instinct with 25 home runs for the second consecutive year. With only one professional shortstop, Kim Joo-won (NC), the reason why he could not select additional shortstop was because of Witcom.

The most important thing is hitting. If you think about defense, it can be sufficiently solved by domestic players, but it has to play a more role because it has long-shot power and is a utility resource that is fast to the feet. In the previous national team training, Noh Si-hwan (Hanwha) was seen training as the first baseman. Witcom, who played third baseman on the day, is taking shape as the main third baseman.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.