Sports Briefs

BASEBALL

Pitcher Patrick Michael Dean signs with the Kia Tigers

Patrick Michael Dean, a southpaw pitcher from Connecticut, has signed with the Korea Baseball Organization’s Kia Tigers.

The Tigers announced Sunday that they have inked a one-year deal worth $900,000 with Dean, who spent the last season playing for the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. In May, Dean was called up to the majors and played in the Twins’ starting lineup.

Dean played in 19 games for the Twins, recording one win and six losses and tallying a 6.31 earned run average. In the seven seasons he spent in the minors, Dean posted 51 wins and 57 losses with a 4.12 ERA.

Clubs in the KBO are allowed up to three foreign players. Other than Dean, the Tigers will try to extend their contract with Hector Noesi for next season.

FOOTBALL

Son Heung-min starts for Hotspur but fails to perform

Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur started in the English Premier League game against Chelsea on Saturday but went 65 minutes without anything to show for it and was ultimately substituted out of the game in the second half.

During the London derby at Stamford Bridge, Son stepped onto the pitch as a starting left flank, trying to pry open the door for his team to score and continue its unbeaten streak.

Son recorded no shots on target or any notable plays to speak of and was eventually replaced by Harry Winks. The Spurs lost the derby 2-1, halting their unbeaten record. As for Chelsea, they have extended their winning streak to seven.

The Korean forward, who received 6.09 in ratings by WhoScored.com from the match against Chelsea, has gone goalless for almost two months now.

While currently in poor form, Son started out the season on a high note, having been selected EPL Player of the Month for September with four goals and one assist. He was the first player from Asia to receive the honor in the English football league.

By Choi Hyung-jo