Seoul: The SSG Landers announced Tuesday that their new foreign hitter Bligh Madris will make his debut in South Korea this week. Madris, a 30-year-old American outfielder, was signed as a temporary replacement for the injured Guillermo Heredia. He has agreed to a six-week contract worth US$100,000.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) clubs are allowed to sign temporary replacements for foreign players sidelined by injuries for at least six weeks. Heredia, who has been out since July 7 due to a left shoulder injury, necessitated the signing of Madris. The Landers have placed Madris on their active roster, and he is expected to make his debut in a road game against the Lotte Giants in Busan.
The Landers have faced significant challenges this season, with a recent three-game losing streak dropping their record to 32-55-3, putting them just one game ahead of the last-place Kiwoom Heroes in the 10-team KBO. Earlier in the year, they endured a franchise-worst 13-game losing streak.
In addition to Heredia, the team is also missing key players Choi Jeong, Oh Tae-gon, and Ko Myeong-jun. Despite ranking third in the KBO with 99 home runs, the Landers have struggled in other offensive categories, such as batting average, runs scored, and hits.
Madris, who bats left-handed and throws right-handed, brings with him experience from 72 major league games, though he hasn't played in the majors since 2024. In Triple-A this year, he recorded a .277 batting average, with 14 home runs and 52 RBIs over 71 games, showcasing a solid .519 slugging percentage. The Landers are hopeful that Madris' power and plate discipline will boost their performance, particularly with runners in scoring position.
The team's struggles with foreign players have been notable this season. They initially signed pitcher Drew VerHagen in December, only to terminate the contract in January due to a failed physical. His replacement, Anthony Veneziano, was released on July 4 after posting a 2-5 record with a 6.10 ERA. Another foreign pitcher, Mitch White, was waived in June after shoulder issues limited him to six starts and a 4.11 ERA. His temporary replacement, Ginjiro Hiramoto, was also cut after a 0-3 record and a 9.56 ERA in four outings. Thomas Hatch, who joined the team in mid-June, currently holds a 1-4 record with a 7.62 ERA in six starts.
Even the usually reliable Heredia had a slow start to his fourth KBO season, batting .282, his lowest mark in the league. The Landers hope that Madris' addition will provide a much-needed boost to their lineup as they look to improve their standing in the KBO.