[Official] SSG, without its top starter, signs Japanese independent league pitcher Kengo Hiramoto... to fill '6-week gap'

*This content was translated by AI.

SSG Landers, having lost its top starter, is filling the void with a pitcher from Japan's independent league.

On the 5th, SSG Landers announced, "We have signed left-handed pitcher Hiramoto Kengo (27, registered name Kengo) from Gunma Diamond Pegasus of Japan's independent league as a temporary replacement foreign player for a total of $70,000 (approximately 130 million won)."

White, who served as SSG's top starter this season, made six appearances, pitched 30⅔ innings, and recorded a 1-1 record with an ERA of 4.11. On the 29th of last month, after pitching four innings allowing one run against Hanwha, he complained of shoulder pain and was removed from the game.

Medical examination revealed minor damage to the rotator cuff in his right shoulder, and doctors estimated recovery would take more than six weeks. During this period, a replacement pitcher was needed. SSG pursued signing a temporary replacement foreign player and ultimately decided to sign Hiramoto Kengo.

Kengo is a left-handed pitcher from Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. He was the ace pitcher at Koryo High School, a prestigious baseball academy. He later attended Hosei University and played for the corporate team Nihon Unso before joining Gunma Diamond Pegasus in 2026.

This season, Kengo has started four games, pitching 21⅓ innings with a 2-1 record, an ERA of 4.64, 35 strikeouts, and a WHIP of 1.13. He has demonstrated exceptional pitching ability and strikeout production, averaging 14.77 strikeouts per nine innings.

SSG focused on Kengo's powerful fastball. With a top speed of 152 km/h, he employs an aggressive pitching style and possesses excellent command of breaking balls such as sliders and changeups, earning him recognition as a capable starter.

After comprehensively reviewing Kengo's current condition, potential for league adaptation, and immediate readiness, SSG decided to sign him. Upon signing the contract, Kengo stated, "I am very happy to take on a new challenge with SSG Landers. I will do my best to contribute to the team's victory based on my strengths in aggressive pitching and my pitching ability."

Last year, SSG built a strong starting rotation, but this season they have fallen to seventh place with an ERA of 4.25. Given his name value and career, it is difficult to expect Kengo to significantly bolster the starting rotation. The only hope is for White to recover as quickly as possible while Kengo delivers performances exceeding expectations.

Kengo is scheduled to join the regular season once administrative procedures are finalized.

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*This content was translated by AI.