Yang Hyeon-jong to make first MLB start on Wednesday

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Yang Hyeon-jong to make first MLB start on Wednesday

Published: 03 May. 2021, 15:11 Updated: 03 May. 2021, 16:36

Yang Hyeon-jong [AP/YONHAP]

Yang Hyeon-jong will be elevated to the starting rotation for the Texas Rangers this week, after making two dominant bullpen appearances since his MLB debut last week.

According to Dallas News, the Rangers announced Sunday that Yang will start against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday to allow Kohei Arihara an extra day of rest.

Yang's sudden rise through the ranks has given Rangers' manager Chris Woodward more options, as the Korean southpaw has years of experience playing as a starter for the Kia Tigers in the KBO. After getting called up to the Rangers only last week, Yang has given up just two hits in eight and two third innings in two long reliever appearances.

As the Rangers look to rest Arihara, Yang is perfectly positioned to step in as a spot starter.

“Obviously, getting that starting opportunity would be good for me,” Yang said before the decision was finalized. “I’ve been starting for my whole career. But I understand my role on the team. I always go up on the mound whenever the team needs me.”

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]