Samsung Lions part ways with Albert Suarez and acquire Taylor Widener off waivers from NC.
Samsung requested to be placed on waivers by the KBO on Tuesday morning.
Suarez, who served as Samsung’s main starter last year, posting a 6-8 record with a 2.49 ERA in 30 games, continued his steady performance as a starter this season. However, he was replaced on Aug. 6 with a left calf injury, and later received a medical examination that indicated he would need four weeks to recover.
The Samsung Lions said, “Under the philosophy of not giving up on the rest of the season and doing our best until the end, we will minimize the gap of Suarez by acquiring the contract of Widener, who was placed on waivers by the NC on the 4th.”
A highly touted power pitcher with a fastball that tops out at 155 mph and a slider-changeup-curveball combination, Widener didn’t make the team until May 28 after feeling back pain in an exhibition game. It’s been an up-and-down season for the right-hander, who has been slightly off-balance in the aftermath of his injury.
He went 4-2 with a 4.52 ERA in 11 games this season. Struggling with his “fondant-fondant” pace, NC decided to make a change in preparation for the postseason after giving up three runs in four innings against Hanwha on May 22.
He was released after pitching seven innings of one-run ball against the Lotte Giants on April 3. NC made the decision immediately after Widener struggled with three runs in four innings against the Hanwha Eagles on March 22 and was placed on waivers on March 4. To replace Widener, the club claimed left-hander Tanner Tully, a reliable and durable reliever, for a total of $200,000.
Coincidentally, Widener has pitched well in the two games since NC decided to part ways. After giving up two runs in six innings against KT on March 28, he rebounded with a quality start against Lotte on March 3, giving up one run on four hits in seven innings with eight strikeouts and no walks.
There was no room for NC to reverse the decision, as they had already moved quickly to sign a new outfielder.
After Suarez’s sudden injury on June 6, which was diagnosed as a four-week injury, Samsung needed to fill the void quickly, which is when they set their sights on Widener, who had just cleared waivers.
He’s a natural power pitcher, and his last two games were strong, so there was reason to hope for a rebound. Why we made a bold and quick decision.
Widener delayed his departure while Samsung talked to him. He stayed in Changwon and waited for Samsung’s announcement.
NC was in a bit of a quandary. Widener’s quarters would have to be vacated for the new owner, Tanner Tully. They can’t just kick him out because of all the clutter that comes with playing for the same team.
Tanner Tully arrived in the country during Widener’s stay, but thankfully their paths didn’t cross as he had to leave for Fukuoka, Japan due to visa issues. When Samsung officially announced that Suarez had been released and Widener signed, the housing issue was resolved.
Now comes the real tricky part.
For NC, it’s not all that pleasant to see Samsung take Widener, a foreigner who has been on waivers since July 31 and cannot play in the postseason.토토사이트
In terms of money, it’s a win-win. Samsung will take over the remaining salary owed to Widener, avoiding double spending.
However, the question is whether or not Widener will play in a Samsung jersey in the future. Comparisons to NC’s newest acquisition, Tanner Tully, are inevitable. He has some weaknesses, including quick motion, but he’s a power pitcher with a top-notch fastball and a sharp changeup, so he has room to rebound. If he goes to Samsung and suddenly does well, it will be a concern for NC.