[Basebell] Good Chance for Park

“The comeback of Chan Ho Park hits another milestone.”

This is what was written on the Web site of the Los Angeles Dodgers yesterday, with an explanation that Park would get the start for the Dodgers against the Angels on Sunday.

Park will stand on the mound as a starting pitcher for the first time since May 1, 2007, when the New York Mets competed against the Florida Marlins. He will become a starting pitcher for the Dodgers in 79 months since the team’s competition against the San Francisco Giants on Oct. 6, 2001.

Park pitched well during the Dodgers’ spring training session. He has adapted to long relief, compiling a 2.16 ERA with a 1-0 record and his first save. As the Dodgers’ incumbent fifth starter Loaiza Esteban has injury, Park got a chance to get a start.

On Sunday, 26-year-old Ervin Santana, nicknamed “Young Gun,” will be the Angels’ starter. He is 6-0 with a 2.63 ERA.

In games against the Angels, Park has amassed a 5-7 record with a 5.90 ERA, below his total of one save, 114-88 and 4.36 ERA. Park can stay as the Dodgers’ starter only when he pitches well in the Sunday match.