MLB

Ex-Orioles, Cardinals pitcher leaves MLB to sign KBO contract in South Korea

Ex-Orioles, Cardinals pitcher leaves MLB to sign KBO contract in South Korea

A six-year MLB veteran left-hander has opted to sign a Korea Baseball Organization contract and take his talents to South Korea.

He threw five innings earlier this season for the St.

Louis Cardinals, allowing three runs on six hits.

The NL Central club designated Zimmerman for assignment earlier in July.

According to Dan Kurtz of MyKBO.net, the KBO's Hanwha Eagles have signed Bruce Zimmerman to a contract for the remainder of the season.

Since his debut in 2020 with the Baltimore Orioles, Zimmerman has thrown 169.1 big league innings.

He has a career 5.63 ERA.

"His 17.3% strikeout rate is well shy of average, but his 5.2% walk rate is excellent.

Hes a quintessential finesse lefty, sitting in the 90 mph range on his fastball and relying on command to overcome a lack of swing-and-miss," Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors wrote.

In 40 career MLB games, Zimmerman made 28 starts.

He's likely to be guaranteed a starter's role with the Eagles.

Recently, Chris Paddack signed a contract with the KBO's Samsung Lions.

The righty pitched for three different MLB clubs before inking his new contract.

Players often spend a season or two in South Korea in hopes of improving their performance and returning to affiliated ball down the road.

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