Japanese pitcher Shun Yamaguchi (36), who played alongside Ryu Hyun-jin for the Toronto Blue Jays, announced his retirement.
On the 17th (Korean time), Yamaguchi announced his retirement from active duty through his Instagram, saying, “My 17-year baseball life is over.”
During 16 seasons in Nippon Professional Baseball, Yamaguchi recorded 443 appearances for the Yokohama Baystars and Yomiuri Giants, 66-66 with an ERA of 3.36.
He was selected as a Nippon Professional Baseball All-Star four times and recorded a no-hitter on July 27, 2018.
In 26 games in 2019, with an average ERA of 2.91, 15 wins and 4 losses, and 188 strikeouts, he ranked first in the most wins and strikeouts category and was selected as the best nine.
That year, he also competed as the Japanese representative for the Premier 12. He started against Korea in the final. At that time, he was hit with home runs by Ha-seong Kim and Hyun-soo Kim, recording 3 runs in 1 inning and was demolished.
Later, ahead of the 2020 season, he entered the major leagues by signing a two-year, $6.35 million contract with Toronto.
His major league career wasn’t smooth. He pitched 25 2/3 innings in 17 appearances in the 2020 season, going 2-4 with an ERA of 8.06.
In February of the following year, he was released after being transferred, and signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants, but was not called up again and returned to Japan.
The 2023 season was in a state where he was unable to find his team. In the end, he announced the end of his active career. 카지노사이트
“When I think about it, my career has had so many twists and turns. Thank you to everyone who supported me no matter what. I am grateful to all the players, staff, and people involved in each team who have fought and worked hard so far.”
“Life without baseball is unfamiliar, but life is still long. I want to keep studying every day and taking on various challenges, so please follow me and take good care of me in the future.”