Jang Hyun-seok (20), a Korean pitching prospect for the LA Dodgers, got hit hard again. He might be labeled as just a fast pitcher if this continues.

A graduate of Masan Yongma High School, Jang signed with the LA Dodgers last year and made his first appearance in the U.S. this year. He is currently assigned to the Dodgers’ minor league rookie team, playing his first professional season.

Most recently, on the 29th of last month (Korean time), Jang started an away game against the Texas Rangers’ minor league rookie team in Surprise, Arizona. This was his first start in six days following a scoreless inning of relief against the San Diego Padres’ rookie team on the 23rd.

Jang had a clean first inning, getting two batters to fly out to the outfield and striking out the third batter on a swinging strike.

However, the second inning was troublesome. He walked the leadoff batter, and two wild pitches advanced the runner to third. He then allowed a run on a groundout. It was disappointing to concede a run without giving up a hit, caused by poor control.

The third inning was worse. Jang walked the first two batters and then allowed a three-run home run to the third batter on a line drive over the right-field fence. He was taken out of the game after that.

Despite having ample rest, Jang threw 46 pitches in just 2 innings, allowing 1 hit, 4 runs, and 3 walks. His season ERA, which had dropped to 8.31, soared back up to 9.60.

Jang struggled with control throughout the game, throwing only 23 strikes out of 46 pitches. The three wild pitches he threw indicate poor control and an avoidance of direct confrontation with batters.

Jang’s WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) was also poor at 1.47, meaning he allows an average of 1.47 baserunners per inning.

Jang generated excitement by hitting 160 km/h with his fastball during the Dodgers’ minor league spring camp earlier this year. However, as the season progresses, his weaknesses are becoming more apparent.

There are many areas Jang needs to improve aside from his velocity. While he is regarded as a prospect, he is still very much a rough diamond. Furthermore, many pitchers in the minor leagues can throw 160 km/h fastballs, making control essential.

One silver lining is that Jang received a military exemption by winning a gold medal at last year’s Hangzhou Asian Games. Free from military obligations, he can fully focus on baseball.

The Arizona Rookie League, where Jang is playing, started in early May and ends in late July, with each team playing 60 games. Considering the current rotation pattern, Jang might have about four more appearances this season.

It remains to be seen if Jang will show a different performance in his remaining outings this season. 먹튀검증