Doosan Bears Swap Pitchers After medical Evaluation
The Doosan Bears, a prominent Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) team, have unexpectedly parted ways with newly signed pitcher Thomas Hatch (30) after a pre-season medical evaluation revealed concerns about his physical condition. The team announced the cancellation of the contract,citing that Hatch did not meet thier medical standards.This decision comes after the Bears invested significant resources in thorough medical screenings for their foreign players, a response to previous injury setbacks experienced by players like Brandon Waddell and Keisho Shirakawa this season.
The Bears had initially announced Hatch’s signing on November 19th, hailing him as a “fireballer with experience in both the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) and Japanese Professional Baseball (NPB).” at the time of the proclamation, the team stated, “He is a pitcher who can throw a fastball up to 154 km/h, a slider, a cut fastball, a change-up, and a sinker into the strike zone. Based on a stable pitching form, he has stable control and can expect long innings.”
Hatch,who was intended to form a powerful one-two punch with fellow MLB veteran Cole Irvin,had received a $1 million contract ($200,000 signing bonus,$800,000 annual salary),the maximum allowed for a new foreign player. However, concerns about a pre-existing shoulder condition ultimately led to the contract’s mutual termination. This is a rare occurrence, as it’s unusual for a contract to be rescinded after an official announcement due to medical issues.
Stepping in to fill Hatch’s spot is left-handed pitcher Jack Logue (28). Logue,described as a versatile pitcher with a repertoire including four-seam fastballs,cut fastballs,curves,and changeups,boasts an average fastball speed around 145 km/h.His three-quarter pitching style and excellent control make him a valuable addition. While his MLB experience is limited to two games with the LA Dodgers this season (6 hits, 4 runs allowed in 2 innings), his Triple-A performance was remarkable: 25 games (13 starts), 5 wins, 6 losses, and a 2.59 ERA (97 ⅓ innings). His extensive minor league career (43 wins, 38 losses, 4.27 ERA) showcases his experience and potential.
The Doosan Bears completed their 2025 foreign player roster with the signings of Cole Irvin on November 15th and Jake Cave on November 26th. The swift turnaround in securing replacements highlights the team’s proactive approach to roster management.
The situation underscores the importance of complete medical evaluations in professional sports, especially when recruiting international players.The Bears’ decision, while unexpected, demonstrates a commitment to fielding a healthy and competitive team for the upcoming season.
By Bae jung-hyeon
Doosan Bears Prioritize Health: A Closer Look at Thomas Hatch situation
Last week, KBO team Doosan Bears stunned the baseball world by releasing newly signed pitcher Thomas Hatch after a medical evaluation raised concerns about his physical condition. This unexpected move highlights the growing importance of player health and rigorous pre-season screenings, even for established talent.
Too shed light on the situation and its implications, World-Today-News Senior Editor, Emily Carter, sits down with renowned sports medicine specialist Dr. Sarah Lee.
Better Safe Than Sorry: What Prompted the Doosan Bears’ Decision?
Emily Carter: Dr.Lee, the Doosan Bears decision to release Thomas Hatch likely surprised many fans. Can you help us understand the team’s rationale?
Dr.Sarah Lee: It’s certainly an unusual situation, but ultimately, the Doosan Bears are prioritizing the long-term health of their team and their investment.
Professional sports teams increasingly perform comprehensive medical evaluations before finalizing contracts, especially for foreign players who might be unfamiliar with the league’s rigorous demands. These evaluations extend beyond a basic physical exam and often involve advanced imaging techniques and performance testing to identify any potential red flags.
In Hatch’s case, it truly seems the evaluation uncovered a pre-existing condition, possibly related to his shoulder, that raised concerns about his ability to perform at the required level and remain healthy throughout a demanding season.
A Crucial Investment: The Landscape of Health Screenings for foreign Players
Emily Carter: You mention the thoroughness of these screenings, and the article states that the Doosan Bears have invested more in these evaluations following injury issues with other foreign players. How critical are these screenings, particularly for international athletes entering a new league?
Dr.Sarah Lee: They’re absolutely crucial, Emily. Foreign athletes often face unique challenges adjusting to a new league’s playing style, travel schedule, climate, and cultural differences.
These factors can contribute to fatigue, stress, and increased risk of injury, especially if they haven’t been adequately screened beforehand.
By investing in extensive medical evaluations,teams like the Doosan Bears can mitigate these risks,ensuring they’re bringing in healthy athletes who can contribute consistently and sustainably.
Moving Forward: Impact on Hatch and the Interpreter’s Future Roster
Emily Carter: This situation obviously has implications for both Thomas Hatch and the Doosan Bears. Where do they go from here?
Dr.Sarah Lee: For Hatch, it’s an unfortunate setback, but it might also be a blessing in disguise. Perhaps the evaluation revealed a hidden issue that could be addressed now, giving him the chance to potentially prolong his career. Other teams might be willing to take a chance on his talent, recognizing the need to manage his workload and any underlying conditions.
As for the Doosan Bears, they’ve demonstrated a proactive approach to roster management. Their swift replacement of Hatch with Jack Logue shows they’re committed to fielding a strong team while prioritizing player health.
Dr. Lee, thank you for shedding light on this complex situation. Clearly, the world of professional sports is becoming increasingly aware of the importance of player health and well-being.
