The Kia Tigers announced on Monday that they have signed longtime minor leaguer Aderlin Rodriguez on a six-week contract worth US$50,000 to replace injured outfielder Harold Castro. Rodriguez is scheduled to join the team on Tuesday. KBO rules allow teams to acquire injury replacements for foreign players sidelined for at least six weeks.
Outfielder Harold Castro suffered a quad injury on April 25. In 23 games before the injury, he had two home runs, 16 RBIs, 22 strikeouts and just four walks.
Aderlin Rodriguez, a 34-year-old from the Dominican Republic, spent 13 seasons in U.S. minor leagues, including three in Triple-A. In 236 Triple-A games, he hit 60 home runs with 204 RBIs and a .296/.358/.580 line.
He played two seasons in Japan's NPB for the Orix Buffaloes and Hanshin Tigers, posting a .202/.260/.341 line with eight home runs and 34 RBIs in 83 games. Since 2022, Rodriguez has played in Mexico and the Dominican Winter League, launching 35 home runs and driving in 96 runs over 89 games in Mexico in 2025.
The Tigers said Rodriguez will bring offensive punch to their lineup in Castro's absence. He is scheduled to join the team on Tuesday.
