Park May Leave Dodgers for Starting Role Next Year
By Kang Seung-woo
Staff Reporter
Los Angeles Dodgers reliever Park Chan-ho was a solid starter in U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1996-2001.
The right-handed pitcher collected an 80-54 record with a 3.78 ERA during that span with the Dodgers.
And the 35-year-old, who has spent most of this season in the bullpen, is seeking to return to starting duty.
Park, the first South Korean export to the big leagues, said he would move after the season if he can be a starter on another team rather than remain in a relief role in Los Angeles.
``Being a starter is more meaningful to the Korean fans,'' he said in the Los Angeles Times.
Prior to the season, Park, who was an opening day starter in 2001, signed a one-year, non-roster contract with Los Angeles, where he began his big league career in 1994.
The 15-year veteran spent most of his career as a starter while winning 113 games until last year.
He proved he still has some fuel left in his tank with strong performances in his five starts this year. In those outings, he delivered 25 innings and allowed six runs with a 2.16 ERA.
But after closer Takashi Saito suffered an injury, the Dodgers have used Park as a setup man during the second half of the season.
However, Park, who is 4-3 with two saves and a 3.05 ERA in 43 appearances this year, has not complained about his current job, which he called a ``learning experience.''
``I'm willing to sacrifice for this team,'' he said.
The Dodgers are battling with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the National League (NL) West division title.
Park has been bothered by fatigue. Since he should be prepared to pitch everyday as a reliever, he cannot work out often, like starters who have several days off between appearances.
Park admits fatigue has been a program, and his recent statistics reflect it. In his last three appearances, Park allowed six runs on seven hits over 2 1/3 innings, while his ERA rose over 3.00 for the first time this season.
Worse, a spot in the starting rotation does not seem within Park's grasp next season. The Dodgers have a horde of starters with Derek Lowe, Chad Billingsley, Hiroki Kuroda, Greg Maddux and Clayton Kershaw.
In addition, injured starters Brad Penny and Jason Schmidt will return to the team.