Nexen Heroes reacquire American pitcher

SEOUL, July 22 (Yonhap) -- South Korean baseball club Nexen Heroes announced Friday they've reacquired American left-hander Andy Van Hekken.

Van Hekken previously pitched for the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) club from 2012 to 2015. He signed with the Seibu Lions in Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) before this season, but was released last week after struggling to a 0-4 record and a 6.31 ERA in 10 appearances.

The Heroes said the 36-year-old signed for US$100,000 in options without a signing bonus.

Van Hekken went 58-32 with a 3.54 ERA in 120 appearances for the Heroes, and led the KBO with 20 wins in 2014.

He's scheduled to join the club Saturday.

To make room for Van Hekken, the Heroes released left-hander Ryan Feierabend. In his second KBO season, Feierabend went 5-7 with a 4.64 ERA in 19 appearances. He was the Heroes' Opening Day starter in 2016.

The Heroes have replaced both of the foreign pitchers from the start of the season. Last month, they signed Scott McGregor and released Robert Coello.

The KBO teams are each allowed to carry a maximum of three foreign players, including up to two pitchers.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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