'18 innings of consecutive scoreless dominance' — Do you really want to use a pitcher like this for just one more month before letting him go?

*This content was translated by AI.

Is this worry premature? In about a month, the Doosan Bears could find themselves in serious trouble. They may soon face a critical decision on whether to extend the contract of foreign pitcher Benjamin (33).

Benjamin, who joined Doosan in early April to replace injured first-division starter Flexen (32), is regaining the dominance he showed as a 15-game winner in 2023 (then with KT Wiz).

Making his start against his former team KT on the 27th, he held them to just two hits, two walks, and five strikeouts over seven scoreless innings. After allowing two hits in the bottom of the second inning, he shut down the remaining five innings without allowing a single hit.

This follows an eight-inning scoreless performance against NC Dinos on the 21st, marking two consecutive strong outings. Since giving up one run in the third inning during a six-inning, four-run game against KIA Tigers on the 14th, Benjamin has displayed the remarkable feat of 18 consecutive scoreless innings. While he suffered three losses in his first five games, he has since secured back-to-back victories, posting a 2-3 record with a 2.61 ERA in seven games this season.

For now, Benjamin is confirmed to stay with Doosan through the end of June. On the 21st, the Doosan organization announced an extension with Benjamin for six weeks through July 1, with a total contract value of $50,000 (approximately 75.38 million won).

The real issue lies ahead. Flexen's return date remains uncertain. Making his second appearance of the season on April 3 against Hanwha Eagles, Flexen was pulled early due to a right shoulder muscle injury and is currently on "temporary closure."

Doosan manager Kim Won-hyeong stated, "Flexen is expected to return around the All-Star break in mid-July. He is currently doing catchball, but as a starting pitcher, he needs to build up his pitch count, which will take additional time." This assumes his rehabilitation proceeds smoothly.

Therefore, if Benjamin continues his recent strong performances, there is a high likelihood his contract will be extended beyond July. However, if he falls into a slump, Doosan could find itself in a difficult position. Additionally, Takada (24), a newly acquired Asian quota player replacing Tamura (32), is a left-handed starting pitcher, and his performance is also expected to influence Benjamin's future.

After the game on the 27th, Benjamin told reporters, "I couldn't join the team during spring training and spent time building my physical condition, so I wasn't perfect. But now I feel I've fully integrated into the season. I feel more comfortable pitching and seem to have relearned how to pitch in the KBO League." He explained the background of his strong performance. He played for KT from 2022 to 2024, recording 31 wins over three seasons.

Regarding his future, Benjamin said, "I cannot decide or control what happens in the future, so I'm not thinking about that. My mission is to create an environment where the team can win when I take the mound, so I'm focusing as much as possible on that role."

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*This content was translated by AI.