Player focus Anthony Swarzak (Doosan Bears)

Anthony Swarzak, 29, joined the Doosan Bears on June 13 as a replacement for 33-year-old Cuban pitcher Yunesky Maya, who had failed to impress since tossing a no-hitter in April. Maya, who became only the second foreigner to record a no-hitter in the KBO, left with a 2-5 record and 8.17 ERA.

Swarzak, who was 16-24 with a 4.45 ERA in 191 games with the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians of Major League Baseball, had a brief KBO debut against the Lotte Giants on Sunday and raised the expectations of Bears fans. The American right-hander threw a perfect inning to close the game, getting Giants batters out on a grounder to shortstop and two fly balls, Ten of his 13 pitches were fastballs.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung said he plans to use Swarzak, who signed one-year deal worth $400,000, as a starter.

With ace right-hander Dustin Nippert recovering from a shoulder injury, Swarzak joins the Bears at an important time.

The Bears previously replaced third baseman Zach Lutz with Deibinson Romero.

BY JOO KYUNG-DON [joo.kyungdon@joongang.co.kr]