'Turns Out, a Former SD Teammate' Samsung's Fedek cheers on NC's Cleavinger: "Hope he has a great experience in the wonderful Korean baseball culture!"

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions foreign pitcher Chris Fedek (30) sent a heartfelt message of support to his former teammate Mike Clevinger (36, NC Dinos), with whom he shared the same team during the 2020 and 2021 Major League Baseball seasons with the San Diego Padres, as Clevinger joined the KBO League.

Earlier, NC officially announced on the 12th that it had signed right-handed pitcher Clevinger as a replacement foreign player for Curtis Taylor for six weeks, in a total contract worth $75,000. Clevinger is a veteran starting pitcher who spent nine seasons in the Major Leagues with teams including Cleveland, San Diego, and Chicago White Sox, compiling 164 games (142 starts), 60 wins, 44 losses, and an ERA of 3.55. Arriving in Korea via Incheon International Airport on the 13th evening, Clevinger is expected to join his team on the 15th and make his first start against LG Twins on the 16th.

Fedek, who will reunite with his former teammate on the KBO stage, told StarNews on the 13th when asked if he had reached out: "Clevinger has just arrived in Korea and is likely overwhelmed, so we haven't contacted each other separately yet."

He then offered warm encouragement to Clevinger as he takes his first steps into an unfamiliar stage. Fedek said, "This is another environment, so I hope he adapts well here. The Korean baseball culture I've experienced so far has been positively surprising and wonderful. I truly hope Clevinger also has a great experience in the KBO."

He added, "I hope Clevinger approaches this opportunity with a mindset of 'resetting' himself and plays the rest of the season healthily," sincerely cheering on his former teammate as he embarks on a new challenge.

Meanwhile, Fedek addressed his heel injury sustained during a game against Kiwoom Heroes at home on the 11th, stating, "The condition of the area hit by the ball has improved significantly, and there will be no issue with my next start." He further explained, "Initially, I had some bruising and slight pain, but thanks to careful management by the training staff, it has greatly improved," emphasizing that he faces no problems in his upcoming rotation.

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*This content was translated by AI.