Yacksel Rios has made an immediate impact for the LG Twins since joining the team two weeks ago, recording four holds and his first save in the KBO.
Rios, a Puerto Rican right-hander, earned his first KBO save on Wednesday night against the Samsung Lions at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. The Twins won 2-0, improving their record to 47-26-0. Manager Youm Kyoung-youb had called him the "No. 1 reliever" in the league just hours earlier.
Rios downplayed the praise after the game. "I'm trying to be another guy in the bullpen because it's not only about me," he said. "We have nine innings to cover. We are all good and I'm not special. I'm just part of the team."
He has pitched in high-leverage situations, including the ninth inning on Wednesday when closer Son Ju-young was unavailable. Rios struck out three batters in that appearance. His fastball has averaged 157.5 kph, with one pitch reaching 161.7 kph.
Rios said he is still adjusting to KBO hitters. "They have good hitters who make adjustments real quick to my fastball," he noted. He added he is ready to pitch on consecutive days if needed to help the team.
