Last year, left-handed pitcher Wes Benjamin (32), who spent three years with the KBO League's KT Wiz, was knocked around in spring training games and demoted to the minor leagues.

On the 23rd (Korean time), Benjamin took the mound as the third pitcher in the sixth inning during a spring game against the Major League Baseball's Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark in Goodyear, Arizona, and collapsed, pitching 1⅓ innings, allowing three hits (one home run), three walks, and five earned runs (four unearned runs).

The inning began shakily as he allowed a middle distance solo home run to the leadoff batter, John Kenzie Noel. A hanging sinker on the seventh pitch of a full count, clocking in at 91.3 mph (149.9 km/h), became a mistake pitch that resulted in extra bases.

After allowing a single to Brian Rocchio and a stolen base to second, Benjamin induced a ground ball from Bo Naylor, but a fielding error by first baseman Trenton Brooks put him in a no-out, first-and-third situation. When Wil Wilson hit a sacrifice fly to right field, the runner on third scored, adding to Benjamin's struggles. He then allowed a single to Dom Nuñez and a walk to Steven Kwan before being relieved with one out and the bases loaded. The subsequent pitcher, Kevin Kopps, allowed all three of Benjamin's inherited runners to score with a walk and a hit.

Benjamin didn't finish the sixth inning and left, but according to spring training regulations, he returned to the mound in the seventh. He completed the inning without allowing any runs, but his control was shaky as he issued two walks, and after the game, he was ultimately informed of his demotion to the minors. The total pitch count for Benjamin that day was 50, with pitches including 30 sliders, 13 sinkers, four change-ups, and three four-seam fastballs. His highest velocity reached 92.3 mph (148.5 km/h).

After the game, the San Diego Padres added infielder Mason McCoy to the 40-man roster and designated catcher Brett Sullivan for assignment. They also sent outfielder Tristen Onaless to the minor leagues for minor league camp. Additionally, spring training invitee Benjamin was reassigned to the minor league camp, leading to roster adjustments.

After being notified by KT that he would not be re-signed following last season, Benjamin joined the San Diego Padres with a minor league contract at the end of last month for spring training. He had opportunities in spring games, but struggled with a 6.00 earned run average over four games (one start). In six innings, he allowed seven hits (one home run), issued seven walks, struck out one, and surrendered nine runs (four earned runs). After being hit hard in his last outing, he realized the high barriers of Major League Baseball and will start the season with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas.

During his two seasons in the major leagues with the Texas Rangers from 2020 to 2021, Benjamin recorded 21 appearances (45 innings) with a 2-3 record and an earned run average of 6.80. After joining KT in June 2022 as a replacement player, he had a notable three years as a model foreign player until last year. Although a three-year extension was not achieved, he had a solid record with 74 total games (406⅓ innings), 31 wins, 18 losses, an earned run average of 3.74, and 390 strikeouts in three years in the KBO League. His deception motion as a left-handed pitcher was particularly effective against left-handed batters.

He was also loved by teammates and fans for his good character as well as his solid skills. Meeting Yang Hyun-jong (KIA Tigers) during his time with the Texas Rangers, he learned the term "hyung" and diligently studied Korean while in Korea. Though he might not understand the meaning, he was quite skilled at writing and reading Korean.

Even after joining San Diego at the end of last month, Benjamin did not hide his affection for Korea. In interviews with local media in San Diego, he noted, "The decision to go to Korea three years ago was a good one. It made me a better person and player. I love Korea. The culture there is really good. Having the opportunity to pitch 160-170 innings as a starter was a great opportunity for me, and it helped a lot."

He then stated, "No one will know me after I return from overseas, but I want to be a help to the team in my changed form. I used the sweeper a lot in Korea, and it was effective against left-handed hitters. I will see if it can work in the U.S.," however, he felt the pressure of the high barriers in spring training and will start the season in the minors. He has always loved Korea, and it seems he will miss it even more.

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