[Breaking News] 'First Call-Up of the Season' Bae Ji-hwan Explodes with a Bunt Hit in His First MLB At-Bat! His Speed Shines

*This content was translated by AI.

Bae Ji-hwan (27) received his first Big League call-up of the 2026 season immediately after joining the Milwaukee Brewers, making a powerful impact from his very first at-bat.

On the 10th (Korean time), the Milwaukee Brewers announced via their official website that they had signed Bae Ji-hwan to a minor league contract and simultaneously called him up to the Big League roster. The Brewers appear to have urgently acquired Bae Ji-hwan to fill roster vacancies created by shortstop Cooper Criswell being placed on the Injured List (IL) and left-handed pitcher Drew Rom being designated for assignment (DFA).

Bae Ji-hwan, who played 97 games this season with the Triple-A Syracuse Mets under the New York Mets organization, batting .257 with 5 home runs, 32 RBIs, 36 stolen bases, and an OPS of 0.728, had never received a Big League opportunity until now. However, as soon as he settled into Milwaukee, he stepped onto the Major League stage again immediately.

Bae Ji-hwan took to the field right after his call-up, proving his value with his signature agility. Although he did not make the starting lineup, he came in as a pinch hitter and displayed his true worth.

In the bottom of the 7th inning with the game tied 3-3, one out, and no runners on base, Bae Ji-hwan stepped up to the plate and attempted a surprise bunt. His explosive speed combined with a well-placed hit that exploited gaps in the infield defense resulted in a clean bunt single. This was a moment where his lightning-fast legs, boasting 37 stolen bases in his MLB career and 36 this season in Triple-A, truly shone.

Although he did not score due to silence from the following batters, Bae Ji-hwan successfully reached base in his first at-bat of the Major League season this year, leaving a strong impression on the Milwaukee coaching staff. He also handled defensive duties at second base.

Bae Ji-hwan, who made his Big League debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 and has recorded a .223 batting average, 2 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 37 stolen bases over 163 career games, will now be closely watched to see if this call-up serves as a springboard for him to firmly secure a spot in the Milwaukee infield or outfield lineup.

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*This content was translated by AI.