Lotte Giants Secure Alec Gamboa as Replacement Pitcher

Busan: The Lotte Giants have announced the signing of American pitcher Alec Gamboa, who will join the team as a replacement for the injured starter Charlie Barnes. Gamboa, previously part of the Los Angeles Dodgers' Triple-A team, Oklahoma City Comets, is expected to bring his skills to the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) for the remainder of the season. According to Yonhap News Agency, Gamboa will earn a guaranteed salary of US$300,000, with the potential to make an additional $30,000 through incentives. The Lotte Giants paid a $100,000 buyout fee to the Dodgers to secure his transfer. Gamboa, a 28-year-old left-handed pitcher, was initially drafted by the Dodgers in the ninth round in 2019, although he has not yet made an appearance in the major leagues. This season, he has recorded an 0-2 win-loss with a 4.19 ERA in eight games, including two starts. Throughout his minor league career, Gamboa has participated in 131 games, starting 41 of them. The Giants highlighted Gamboa's ability to pitch a four-sea m fastball at an average speed of 151 kilometers per hour, complemented by a slider and a changeup. The team is optimistic about his team-first approach and work ethic, which they believe will facilitate his integration into the KBO. Gamboa is scheduled to arrive in South Korea on Friday. The decision to sign Gamboa comes after the Giants waived Charlie Barnes, who was sidelined with a shoulder injury that is expected to keep him out for approximately two months. Barnes, who had a 3-4 record with a 5.32 ERA in eight starts this season, leaves the KBO with a career record of 35-32 and a 3.58 ERA over 94 appearances. The Lotte Giants currently hold third place in the 10-team league with a record of 24-17-2, trailing the co-leading LG Twins and Hanwha Eagles by three games. The team aims to make its first postseason appearance since 2017 and is working to improve its team ERA, which currently ranks seventh in the league at 4.46.