No more injuries. He needs to come back healthy. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Ji-Man Choi, 32, is ready to return.
Choi, who is rehabbing with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians of the Pittsburgh organization, went 2-for-5 with a home run, two RBIs and two runs scored in a game against the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds at Victory Field in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Friday.
Choi launched a two-run shot over the right-center field fence with one out in the bottom of the first inning. The home run traveled 442 feet (about 135 meters). In his second at-bat of the inning, Choi came up with runners on first and second to complete the multi-hit game with an infield single to second base. He was silent in his next three at-bats, striking out twice.
With the win, Choi is now 3-for-5 with 10 runs (28 RBI), three home runs, nine RBI and a 1.243 OPS in eight minor league rehab games that began last month 23rd. He was promoted to Triple-A on April 23 after going 2-for-8 in three games at Double-A, and he’s been hitting for power at Triple-A.
Choi underwent surgery to remove bone chips from his elbow at the end of last season and was traded from Tampa Bay to Pittsburgh, signaling a fresh start. However, he spent more time on the bench than in the starting lineup. On April 11-12, he hit back-to-back home runs against Houston, but on April 14, he was placed on the 60-day disabled list (IL) with a torn left Achilles tendon. It’s been a season full of bad luck, and it’s about to get better.
His bat has already taken a hit. He needs to get back on track at first base, where his defense is an organ. Recently, manager Ben Sherrington said, “Considering he’s recovering in Triple-A, we want to make sure he gets back on track defensively while he’s in Triple-A. We’re going to utilize him at first base because we want to improve defensively. That’s not to say that our current first baseman, Carlos Santana, doesn’t play first base, but it’s just to have options for Choi. We want to make sure he’s ready to go, both defensively and on the basepaths.”바카라
Choi was the designated hitter on the day. In Game 4, he started at first base. He’s been bouncing back and forth between first base and designated hitter. Because of his Achilles injury, his movements can be a bit sensitive. He needs to be able to move fully in the field to be considered for a major league call-up.