*This content was translated by AI.
For an outfielder who was once the batting champion, worrying about game rhythm was a luxury. After a 43-day absence, Guillermo Heredia (35, SSG Landers) returned to swing the bat fiercely, bringing a smile to Lee Sung-yong (55).
On the 25th, in the 226th Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against Hanwha Eagles held at Incheon SSG Landers Field, Heredia started as the third hitter and left fielder, recording two hits and two RBIs in five at-bats with one strikeout.
Heredia first joined SSG in 2023, hitting .323 in his debut season to secure a contract renewal, and went on to win the batting title (.360) the following year. Last year, he played only 96 games due to an unexpected injury but proved that there is no doubt about his batting ability with a .339 average.
This season, too, injuries held him back. He underwent initial treatment for swelling (folliculitis) on his right thigh, but the condition worsened, requiring additional detailed examinations and re-treatment. Medical staff concluded that about six weeks of rehabilitation were necessary to prevent infection and aid recovery, so SSG signed replacement foreign player Bly Maddox.
However, during this period, Maddox managed only a .175 batting average with four home runs and nine RBIs in 17 games, posting an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) of 0.659, and was sent away without any extension of his contract period.
To minimize the gap in team strength, SSG signed replacement foreign player Bly Maddox due to Heredia's injury. However, Maddox played only 17 games over six weeks, struggling with a .175 batting average (11 hits in 63 at-bats).
Meanwhile, Heredia, who had recovered, first adjusted his rhythm in the Futures League. The Futures stage was narrow; he appeared in six games and recorded a .500 batting average (10 hits in 20 at-bats).
Heredia, who rejoined the team on the 21st, is showing an amazing presence that seems unbelievable for a player who was absent from the first division for 43 days.
Against KT Wiz, he recorded two hits and one walk in five at-bats, achieving three times on base right from his return game. On the 23rd, he also hit a home run against KT. In that game, Heredia started with a ground-rule double to left field in the top of the first inning, maintaining good batting form, and drove in the team's sixth run in the bottom of the sixth to help secure the victory.
In three games since his return, he has posted a .357 batting average (five hits in 14 at-bats). His outstanding performance makes the previous absence feel even more painful.
After the game, Heredia explained, "I prepared thoroughly before every at-bat to ensure I wouldn't be late on the timing of opposing pitchers' fast balls." He added, "Especially since there were scoring opportunities today, focusing not on swinging too hard but on not missing good pitches in my zone, with precise weight transfer and contact, seems to have led to those RBIs."
While many players struggle to find their batting rhythm even after a brief absence from actual competition, this is not an issue for Heredia. Regarding his secret, he said, "I had time rehabilitating in the minor leagues due to injury, and consistently playing in Futures League games has been a huge help on the first division stage now. It was a period where my game rhythm could have easily declined, but there I was able to finely adjust my batting timing by facing various types of pitchers." He also added, "I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the training staff and coaching staff who helped me get my physical condition in good shape."
Even with the weather becoming hotter again, 15,094 spectators visited the stadium to offer enthusiastic support. Heredia, who has returned, also drew strength from that support. "I sincerely thank the Landers fans who always come to both home and away games and cheer my name," he said. "The passionate cheers from the fans become a great energy every time I step up to the plate. I will do my best with all my heart in every remaining game, so please continue to support me."
Currently sitting in ninth place, SSG is realistically looking ahead to next season. This applies to their foreign player composition as well. Having suffered a serious failure in the pitching department, SSG has already dispatched its scouting team to the United States to search for players.
Heredia's contribution over four seasons with SSG has been very significant. The problem is that his numbers this season fall short of expectations. Heredia has played 87 games, recording a .285 batting average, 16 home runs, 78 RBIs, 44 runs scored, a .339 on-base percentage, a .467 slugging percentage, and an OPS of 0.806. His slugging percentage has declined from 0.538 in 2024 to 0.491 last year and 0.467 this year. Although he hit more home runs in fewer games this season, his batting average fell below .300, which naturally led to a drop in slugging percentage and a much lower on-base percentage compared to last year (0.398).
While many foreign players have created 'reverse export legends,' Heredia, now in his mid-30s, may realistically find staying in Korea to be the best option. However, for this to happen, the remaining part of this season is even more important. He needs to instill confidence that he can continue to perform consistently next year as well.
It is true that SSG's outfield situation is not good right now. Regular center fielder Choi Ji-hoon is scheduled to become a free agent (FA), and Kim Jae-hwan and Han Yu-seom are still vying for opportunities. Although Heredia is the only player to achieve three consecutive batting titles since the establishment of KBO defensive awards, if SSG seeks a more explosive hitter in terms of batting, there is a possibility he may not be chosen.
This is why the words "I will do my best with all my heart in every game" do not sound like mere formalities.
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*This content was translated by AI.
