Right-handed reliever Seunghwan Oh, who would play a significant role in the Rockies’ 2019 bullpen, could be headed back to his native South Korea.

According to Jee-ho Yoo of the Yonhap News Agency, Oh told reporters Wednesday that he is considering returning to pitch in the Korea Baseball Organization. If he does, he would leave a big hole in the Rockies’ bullpen.

“I am a bit exhausted after spending five seasons in Japan and the United States,” Oh said. “I feel like I want to return to the KBO while I still have the energy to help the team and pitch in front of home fans. I can’t make this decision alone. I’ll have to speak with my agency about the next season.” Related Articles Rockies’ Daniel Bard finishing up improbable season on a high note

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The right-hander, acquired by Colorado from Toronto in a late-July trade, went 6-3 with three saves and a 2.63 ERA in 73 appearances for the Blue Jays and Rockies. He has a vesting club option worth $2.5 million for next season, which kicked in after he surpassed 70 appearances in 2018. Oh’s contract included a $250,000 buyout.

Rockies general manager Jeff Bridich could not be reached for comment Wednesday regarding the story.

According to the report, Oh said his fatigue comes from dealing with life away from the ballpark.

“It’s not easy living in a foreign country. You have to face the opposing hitters on the mound, and there are a lot of other things you have to battle off the field,” Oh said. “Everything away from the stadium is an extension of competition.”

The former Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) All-Star pitched in 2016-17 with the St. Louis Cardinals and was with the Hanshin Tigers in Japan in 2014 and 2015.

The Rockies are already facing the possible loss of right-handed set-up man Adam Ottavino, who will be a free agent. Ottavino, who turns 33 next month, posted a 2.43 ERA and ranked second among National League relievers with 112 strikeouts, the most ever by a Rockies reliever in a single season. He’s considered one of the best free-agent relievers in the upcoming market.