Lions sign new outfielder Cardenas

The Samsung Lions announced their signing of new outfielder Ruben Cardenas on Wednesday. The Lions said Cardenas, 26, will make US$477,000 for the rest of this Korea Baseball Organization season. Cardenas is replacing David MacKinnon in the Lions' lineup. The Lions released MacKinnon on Tuesday after the American infielder had just four home runs in 72 games this season, and none since May 18. The Lions will be counting on Cardenas to provide more punch in the middle of their lineup. The Los Angeles native had 20 home runs and 56 RBIs in 75 games in Triple-A this season, split between affiliates for the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies. Also in Triple-A last year, Cardenas had 22 home runs in 132 games. The Miami Marlins selected Cardenas in the 37th round of the 2015 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft but the player opted to go to college instead. Three years later, Cardenas was chosen in the 16th round by the Cleveland Indians (currently Guardians). He has not yet played in MLB. Source: Y onhap News Agency