Roenis Elías joined the SSG Landers mid-season last year and made his debut on May 24, 2023, against the LG Twins and secured his first KBO win. Throughout the remainder of the season, he posted an 8-6 record with a 3.70 ERA, recording 93 strikeouts in 131.1 innings.
Despite joining mid-season, Elías quickly became a reliable starting pitcher for SSG. He pitched 6 or more innings in 13 games and completed at least 5 innings in 20 out of his 22 appearances.
He struck out a KBO career-high 10 in five innings against the Hanwha Eagles on July 8th. Now with a season of KBO experience, Elías aims to further solidify his role with the SSG Landers and pursue greater success in the upcoming season.
For your second year in the KBO, how will you approach the hitters this season?
Last year was a learning experience. I learned about the league, the hitters. It was good, I learned a lot. I’ll continue to work to the best of my ability and become better.
In Spring Training, what have you worked on?
I’ve focused on my conditioning, you know, having good conditioning is important for the long season in Korea. Being ready to pitch the entire year and avoiding injuries is the goal. I’ve also been working on my pitches, particularly the changeup and the slider.
You had the winter off, how will the break benefit you? Last year you played in the World Baseball Classic and didn’t have a break.
I believe I needed the rest. Last year I pitched a lot, 131 innings in Korea and the WBC, along with Spring Training and with the White Sox organization in Triple A. I think I needed the rest to help my arm recover. Right now, I feel good, thank God. I can still work on my mechanics, but I feel good.
How was it joining the KBO when you already had a countryman – Guillermo Heredia on the team?
Having a fellow countryman on the team is good; someone I can speak Spanish to every day, someone to have fun and hang out with. It was a blessing to have him on the team. He has more experience in Korea than I do. He knows the league well. Last year, he was helping me out with his experience. I’m happy to be here. We had fun, went out to eat, and talked baseball.
Who’s the toughest hitter you’ve faced in the KBO?
There are many. The Koreans are good players, good hitters. In the KBO, it’s a challenge; the hitters make you pitch a lot, they hit a lot of foul balls. They make you work. The league is very competitive, with good hitters. You have to work hard to do a good job.
What’s your goal for this year?
God willing, to stay healthy. I want to play in the KBO All-Star game and win more games than last season. I won 8 games last season; I’d like to win 15, at least more than 10 this time.
You’ve already been to the WBC; would you like to play in the Caribbean Series? Could we see you join the Aguilas Cibaeñas?
I can’t say. I have many goals in the KBO. Dominican fans are very passionate. First, I’ll finish the KBO season and stay healthy. Then we’ll see, but I would like to play in the Caribbean Series. I believe that’s the final thing missing in my career.