Nexen Heroes bring RHP Eric Hacker back to KBO

SEOUL, June 21 (Yonhap) -- Veteran American right-hander Eric Hacker will have his second tour of duty in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO).

The Nexen Heroes announced their signing of Hacker to a US$300,000 deal on Thursday. Hacker, 35, is replacing Esmil Rogers in the Heroes' rotation. Rogers broke his right ring finger on June 3 after taking a liner off his pitching hand.

Hacker pitched for the NC Dinos from their inaugural season in 2013 to 2017, posting a 56-34 record and a 3.52 ERA in 137 games.

Hacker enjoyed his best regular season in 2015, when he went 19-5 with a 3.13 ERA in 204 innings. He was first in the KBO in wins and second in both ERA and innings pitched.

After the Dinos decided to part ways with him over the winter, Hacker took to social media to post videos of himself training, with the hashtag #kbo.

The Heroes said Hacker should have little trouble making adjustments on and off the field in the KBO, and they expect him to hit the ground running since he's been working hard on his own.

Hacker is scheduled to arrive in South Korea next Monday to get his paperwork done, and no date has been set for his first start with the new club.

jeeho@yna.co.kr
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