Minnesota Twins Japanese pitcher Kenta Maeda showed incredible mental strength. From 2016 to 2019, Maeda worked with Ryu Hyun-jin for the Los Angeles Dodgers. He is a pitcher with whom he competed for the start.
Maeda started the 2023 Major League Baseball game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston, USA on the 21st (Korean time). He hit a line drive hit in the vital part, but he collapsed after performing the next move perfectly.
Maeda got off to a shaky start after hitting a home run by leadoff hitter Alex Verdugo. However, he finished my inning by catching Raphael Devers for a ground ball, Justin Turner for a fly ball, and Masa Taka Yoshida for a fly ball in right field.
An embarrassing moment occurred at the end of the second inning.
Maeda threw the lead hitter, Enrique Hernandez, into left field. He gave up a walk to Triston Casas. Conor Wong was put out again in center field.
After two shots, Jaren Duran’s ball hit Maeda’s left ankle directly. It was a stepping foot to maintain balance after pitching. As the shock hit, Maeda lost his balance and fell.
Nevertheless, Maeda picked up the ball and stood up. He threw a bullet-like throw to first base. He barely caught the batter-runner. When the third out count of the inning went up, Maeda grabbed his ankle again and lay down.
Maeda struggled in pain for a while. Minnesota colleagues also flocked around Maeda, concerned about his condition. Fortunately, Maeda limped somewhat, but he got himself up and headed for the dugout.
It wasn’t a major injury. MLB.com, the official homepage of Major League Baseball, said, “Maeda suffered an ankle bruise. He said he was lucky to avoid serious injuries.
Minnesota coach Rocco Baldelli breathed a sigh of relief, saying, “Honestly, I was afraid to see that scene. The initial pain disappeared when I got up. It was positive to be able to stand and move. It is fortunate that I avoided a major injury.”
According to MLB.com, his batting speed was 111.6 miles (about 180 km). If the angle was high, it would be a home run speed.안전놀이터
Maeda showed a resolute attitude, saying, “There is no bone damage, so it’s good news. I don’t think I’ll be out for a long time.”
Meanwhile, Minnesota lost 5-11 as Maeda was replaced after 2 innings.