'Crazy performance' in exhibition game sends Park to Triple-A in shock

Shocker. Park Hyo-joon failed to make the Major League Baseball opening roster.

'Athletics Nation,' the Oakland local version of American media outlet 'SB Nation,' reported the news of Oakland's opening roster on the 27th (Korean time). The A's will play their final exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California. Ahead of the game, manager Mark Katsay mentioned Park Hyo-joon.

The media outlet first reported that the fifth starter was confirmed as Joe Boyle. Then, based on a social media post by local journalist Jessica Kleinschmidt, it was reported that Park had been sent to Triple-A. The headline of the article was Boyle named to the five-man roster and Park dropped from the roster. This was the story that most interested Oakland fans.

Shocking. One of the best performers in all 30 major league clubs in exhibition games has been cut from the big leagues. Park was released by the Atlanta Braves at the end of last season. He chose Oakland as a last-ditch effort. He signed a minor league contract with the A's last season when his chances of breaking into the big leagues were dwindling. He joined Arizona's spring training as an invitee.

Then came the big break. He took off in the exhibition games. In 17 games, he batted a whopping 4-for-8. 21 hits in 43 at-bats. A pinch-hit single against San Francisco on the 26th wiped out his 5-for-5 average, but he was the player with the most hits and the highest batting average in both leagues. He struck out just once. It was a stellar performance that earned him a spot on the 26-man opening roster. Park's performance, coupled with injuries to competing position players, made his chances even better. Local media in the U.S. also started to put Park on the 26-man roster. It is said that it is a miracle for a spring training invitee to make the major league roster, and Park seemed to be pulling off a miracle.

However, reports surfaced in the U.S. that Darrell Hernandez, a lesser prospect than Park, had been named to the opening day roster, raising concerns. And those fears were realized.

Athletics Nation predicted that if there were any injuries among the outfielders, Park would be called up to the major leagues immediately. However, it must be frustrating for a player who has shown his best to not get the opportunity. Park has been an inspiration off the field as well, always shouting out in the dugout to keep his teammates' morale up.