Raul Alcantara’s (31-Dusan Bears) position this season is no different than it was three years ago in 2020. He remains the team’s ace. After dominating the KBO in 2020 with a 20-2 record, 2.54 ERA, 182 strikeouts, and 39 walks in 31 regular-season games, including one complete game, he returned to the NPB (Hanshin Tigers) this year with an 11-5 record, 2.23 ERA, 132 strikeouts, and 23 walks in 23 starts.

While his underlying numbers are stellar, it’s his stability that stands out, with 18 quality starts (QS – six or more innings pitched and three or fewer earned runs allowed) while the starting rotation was shaken up by injuries to other pitchers. He struggled a bit early in the second half, but in his last three starts, he’s gone seven innings or more in all three, posting a phenomenal ERA of 0.86 (2 ERA in 21 innings). It’s also nice to see that the ace doesn’t have long slumps, even when other teams are trying to capitalize. The Doosan coaching staff, including head coach Lee Seung-yeop, is “singularly delighted” with his performance. Lee said, “Alcantara struggles a lot. He hasn’t skipped a single rotation,” Lee said, adding, “It’s great to have a player who can play the role of an innings-eater.”

He’s a great pitcher, but he also brings intangibles outside of the game, so you can’t ask for more. Not only does he help other foreign players like Jose Rojas adjust to the team, but he also works well with the domestic players and brings the team together. This is why he is considered more than just a good pitcher.

“Alcantara is performing well right now, but he’s also sincere. When he goes up for a change, he shows that he wants to finish the inning. For us, it’s a blessing,” he said. “Regardless of his performance, his teamwork, his training, his sincerity, everything makes him feel like a part of the team, not like a foreign player. When I see another player not feeling well, I worry about why they are not feeling well.”먹튀검증

There were no shortage of concerns heading into this season. After two years in Hanshin (2021-2022), mostly in the bullpen, Alcantara’s record in 63 games (4-6-1, 25 saves, 3.96 ERA) didn’t meet expectations. But even during this time, Alcantara tried to recognize the strengths of Japanese pitchers with changeups and incorporate them into his own pitches, which is why he has remained one of the best starters in the KBO. “His performance is good, but if he doesn’t skip the rotation until the end of the season, the good performance will follow,” Lee said, “I just hope he takes care of his body and doesn’t skip the rotation.”