▲ Lotte's newly signed Asian Quarter pitcher, Iimura
The Lotte Giants of the KBO League announced today (June 18) that they have released Asian Quarter pitcher Masaya Kyoyama and signed right-handed pitcher Shota Iimura as his replacement.
Lotte signed Iimura to a contract worth a total of $70,000.
Iimura is expected to pitch out of the bullpen.
Standing 184 cm tall and weighing 86 kg, Iimura is described by Lotte as a pitcher whose strengths include a fastball with an average speed of 147 km/h and a top speed of 153 km/h, as well as breaking balls that target the lower part of the strike zone.
Iimura played for KMG Holdings in Japan's industrial league before competing in Taiwan's industrial baseball spring league this year, where he recorded a 0.93 ERA over 29 innings to rank first in that category.
Through the club, Iimura stated, "Although the team is currently in a difficult situation, I am ready to dedicate myself to the team so that we can make a rebound in the second half of the season," adding, "I will show winning games on the mound for the club and the fans who gave me this opportunity."
Lotte has requested the KBO office to place Kyoyama on waivers.
(Photo: Courtesy of Lotte Giants, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.