Doosan Bears's temporary starting pitcher Wes Benjamin / Courtesy of Doosan Bears
The Doosan Bears remained hopeful Tuesday that they will be able to retain their temporary starting pitcher, Wes Benjamin, on a full contract for the rest of the Korean baseball season.
Benjamin joined the Bears as a short-term injury replacement for Chris Flexen in April. Since 2024, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) has been allowing teams to sign temporary replacements for foreign players sidelined for at least six weeks.
Benjamin, who previously pitched for another KBO club, KT Wiz, from 2022 to 2024, has filled in admirably for Flexen, who made only two starts before going down with a shoulder injury. Benjamin has a 2.90 ERA with a 4-6 record that belies his overall effectiveness. The American left-hander has tossed three scoreless outings.
Benjamin is currently on his second six-week contract, which will expire Wednesday. It also happens to be the day of his 13th start for the Bears. And after releasing Flexen on Monday, the Bears are expected to keep Benjamin around the rest of the way.
