KBO league reverse export legend Chris Flexen (29, Seattle Mariners) is still showing off his strength in the major leagues.
Flexen started against the Milwaukee Brewers in the 2023 Major League Baseball Exhibition held at American Family Field in Phoenix, Arizona, on the 6th (Korean time). Christian Yelich (left fielder), Willie Adames (shortstop), Luis Urias (second baseman), Victor Karatini (catcher), Caston Hiura (designated hitter), Mike Brosso (first baseman), Abraham Toro (3rd baseman) – Garrett Mitchell (center fielder) – Joey Wimmer (right fielder).
Flexen gave a walk to lead batter Yelich at the bottom of the first inning, but escaped the crisis by catching the follow-up batter. He ended the inning with a strikeout from first base and a double hit from third base, second base, and first base. In the bottom of the second inning, after getting an out count, Hiura hit a double, but once again tied the opponent’s batter and did not concede.
Flexen, who sent a runner in scoring position in every inning. However, the scoreless streak continued. After two outs in the bottom of the third inning, Yelich hit a double, but Adames, the follow-up hitter, was treated as a shortstop grounder and finished the mound that day. The final score was 3 innings, 2 hits, 1 walk, 1 strikeout, no run. Following two scoreless innings in his last appearance (against the Chicago White Sox on February 28), he pitched two scoreless games in a row. 스포츠토토
Flexen played in the KBO for the Doosan Bears in 2020. He showed a somewhat shaky performance, giving up 57 on 4 balls in 68 innings in the major leagues.
After transferring to the KBO, he found a sense of stability. After working for Doosan, Flexen returned to the big leagues in 2021 and played mainly as a starting pitcher, recording 22 wins, 15 losses, 2 saves and 317⅔ innings. He had only three wins in just three seasons before entering the KBO, but his value rose significantly after returning to the United States. Recently, because of his relatively cheap ransom, he has been attracting a lot of attention as a trade candidate for several clubs who dream of strengthening their starting lineup.
Although it may be shaken by trade rumors, Flexen is still showing solid pitching and continues to play an active part in demonstration games. Attention is focusing on whether he will be able to continue the myth.