SEOUL - The SSG Landers, a prominent South Korean baseball team, have reinstated pitcher Roenis Elias from the injured list and simultaneously terminated the contract of his temporary replacement, Keisho Shirakawa, as part of a roster update on Tuesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Elias, who has been sidelined with an oblique injury since May 18, is set to return to the mound against the NC Dinos on Wednesday at Changwon NC Park. The Cuban left-hander's last game was on May 12, just days before his injury. In his absence, the Landers signed Japanese pitcher Keisho Shirakawa to a six-week contract under a new Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) rule allowing short-term deals for foreign players in case of long-term injuries.
Shirakawa, a 22-year-old right-hander from Japan's independent leagues, posted a 2-2 record with a 5.09 ERA over five starts, striking out 27 and walking nine in 23 innings pitched. Despite not producing standout stats, Shirakawa was celebrated for his professionalism and quickly became a fan favorite. During a ceremony marking his departure, Landers' manager Lee Sung-yong and captain Choo Shin-soo presented Shirakawa with several tokens of appreciation, including his framed No. 43 jersey and the official lineup card from his first KBO victory on June 1.
The Landers plan to place Shirakawa on waivers on Wednesday, making him available to other KBO teams. The Doosan Bears, currently seeking a temporary pitching replacement, are among the potential suitors, especially after their American pitcher Brandon Waddell was sidelined with a rotator cuff injury on June 24. The Bears are also considering Eric Jokisch, a former KBO pitcher with an outstanding track record, as a possible addition.