'I Didn't Even Know He Was Gone' ML-Born Replacement Foreign Investor, Early Contract Termination Possible... KBO Veteran Foreign Investor Return Imminent "Heredia Could Arrive by the 21st"

*This content was translated by AI.

SSG Landers' injury replacement foreign hitter Blythe Madris (30) may leave Korea sooner than expected. The return of the existing foreign hitter Guillermo Heredia (35) is imminent.

SSG manager Lee Sung-yong (55), ahead of the Incheon Lotte Giants game on the 11th, stated, "Heredia will play in Futures League games starting from the 12th. The earliest date he could join the first division is the 21st; we will monitor his physical condition during actual gameplay and make a decision. He says his condition is fine."

Heredia is one of the players who has walked the path of longevity in the KBO League. He joined SSG in 2023, hitting over .300 with double-digit home runs each year, successfully renewing his contract three times and entering his fourth season this year.

His performance this year is somewhat disappointing. In 84 games, he posted a .282 batting average (94 hits in 333 at-bats), 15 home runs, 75 RBIs, 42 runs scored, and one stolen base, with an on-base percentage of .336 and slugging percentage of .462, failing to deliver top-tier performance. In early July, he was placed on the injured list due to inflammation in his left shoulder rotator cuff, prompting the urgent signing of Madris as a replacement on the 21st.

Madris had high expectations after playing for the St. Louis Cardinals' Triple-A affiliate this season, where he recorded a .277 batting average, 14 home runs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of .098 in his MLB career.

However, his performance has not been satisfactory. Madris has managed only a .163 batting average (8 hits in 49 at-bats), three home runs, eight RBIs, and eight runs scored across 12 games, with an OPS of .622. While some adjustment period is expected, he has shown shortcomings in both plate discipline and power, with a slugging percentage of .367, six walks, and 18 strikeouts, failing to project the intimidation factor expected of a foreign hitter.

On the 4th against the Incheon LG Twins, he did not even appear as a pinch hitter. Coincidentally, SSG defeated LG 10-8 in a high-scoring game that day, leaving fans unaware of his absence. This has led to strong calls from supporters for Heredia's swift return.

SSG is also facing a dilemma. Madris' six-week contract expires on the 26th of this month, while Heredia can be re-registered starting from the 21st. Had Heredia not injured his shoulder and Madris performed well, there would have been time until the 26th to monitor his condition and regain game sharpness. However, it seems that even that window may not be available.

Manager Lee Sung-yong expressed his concern, stating, "Heredia is now at a level where he can play in games. As long as he is not injured, we should consider an early return."

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*This content was translated by AI.