Dan Straily had seemingly resurrected his career. The former Oakland A’s pitcher had moved on from his injury induced implosion in Baltimore, re-establishing himself in the Korean Baseball Organization during his two years with the Chiba Lotte Giants. It was not a surprise that he looked to come stateside following his 2021 season as it seemed likely that he could get another chance.
That happened with the Diamondbacks signed Straily to a minor league contract before the 2022 season. However, Straily did not exactly fare well in the offensively charged Pacific Coast League, posting a 6.35 ERA and a 1.492 WHiP over his 62.1 innings. He was also passed over for a promotion to the majors several times, with the Diamondbacks even giving the completely washed up Dallas Keuchel a chance.
Dan Straily heading back to Chiba Lotte Giants
At this point, it was not a surprise that Straily would be looking for other opportunities. That happened as Straily was released by the Diamondbacks on Monday so that he could return to the KBO, re-signing with the Giants.
Straily had quickly emerged as a fan favorite for the Giants. He had made shirts with images of his teammates that became collector’s items. During the pandemic, when games were played in empty stadiums, he had brought a gong and clappers into the dugout. Straily immersed himself in the country’s baseball culture and, along the way, made himself part of the culture as well.
It also helped that he performed well for the Giants. Straily posted a 3.22 ERA and a 1.188 WHiP in his 360.1 innings for the Giants, striking out 369 batters with 118 walks. He led the KBO in strikeouts in 2020, becoming the first KBO pitcher in eight years to reach the 200 strikeout plateau.
Now he is back, at least for a month or two. It may not be enough to help the Giants to the postseason as they are 7.5 games out of the final playoff spot, but he does give the fanbase something to cheer about. And it is entirely possible that Straily remains in the KBO going forward, continuing to be part of a team where he had become a star.
Former Oakland A’s pitcher Dan Straily is heading back to the Chiba Lotte Giants. He is heading back to the place where he became a star.