Player in focus: Dustin Nippert (Doosan Bears)

Dustin Nippert has been the Doosan Bears’ ace pitcher. Since the right-hander joined the Korea Baseball Organization in 2011, he has always collected at least 11 wins each season. However, this season might be his worst season yet, as the 34-year-old American is suffering from an injury.

The Bears on Wednesday dropped Nippert from their roster after he injured his right thigh during the game against the Samsung Lions on Tuesday. The Bears expect it will take at least two weeks for Nippert to appear on the mound again.

This is the third time that Nippert has been off the roster due to injury. He was first on the disabled list in late March for pelvic pain, and then was sidelined for a shoulder injury on June 9.

Nippert, a former Arizona Diamondbacks and Texas Rangers pitcher, was back with the Bears on July 31, but in his last four games, he picked up one loss with a 7.71 ERA. Nipper is only 3-4 with a 5.29 ERA overall this season.

Bears manager Kim Tae-hyung said that he might use right-handed ace Nippert as a reliever until he is fully recovered. He said that Nippert is feeling sorry for the team about the injury and is willing to accept the relief pitcher role.

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