'Wow,' LG's bullpen is shaking! ERA 2.12 foreign investor pitcher returns via the back door... strengthening the 'league 3rd place' core.

*This content was translated by AI.

The LG Twins bullpen, which still sends shivers down the spine, is expected to become even stronger. As injured players gradually return, Lachlan Wells (29), who has been active as a starting pitcher, has also completed preparations to return to the bullpen.

LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop reconfirmed the status of injured players ahead of the Jamsil Lotte Giants game on the 16th. The first was left-handed relief pitcher Ham Deok-ju (31), who appeared in the Jamsil Lotte game on the 15th but was pulled due to back pain. Manager Yeom stated, "He had slight (back) pain today (16th) and will rest for a day, but he says he is fine. It does not seem to be a major issue."

The second was left-handed starting pitcher Son Ju-young (28). Son Ju-young withdrew from the lineup due to a minor strain of the right internal oblique muscle during catch practice just before the season opener. The expected rehabilitation period is four weeks, with a return scheduled for the end of April. Son Ju-young successfully secured a spot in the starting rotation in 2024. As a key contributor to the team's championship win last year with 30 games, 11 wins, 6 losses, a 3.41 ERA, 153 innings pitched, and 132 strikeouts, he is an invaluable asset to the LG starting rotation, which has been wavering under Lim Chan-kyu.

Left-hander Kim Yun-sik (26), who left the team two years ago to fulfill his military service obligation, is also set to return. Kim Yun-sik, who will be discharged from the military on the 21st, is expected to be back in the first team in time, having built up his physical condition sufficiently. Kim Yun-sik has been a left-handed relief pitcher who secured a spot in the first team since his professional debut in 2020. In 2023, he also performed as a starting pitcher, contributing to the Korean Series championship, the first in 29 years, with 17 games, 6 wins, 4 losses, an earned run average of 4.22, 74 2/3 innings, and 42 strikeouts.

He then hinted at Wells' return to the bullpen. Manager Yeom said, "Son Ju-young is now starting his pitching. He will go through the rehabilitation process at a normal pace, neither too fast nor too slow," and added, "We are preparing for Kim Yun-sik to be registered with the first team by the 21st, when he is released from the training camp. When Wells moves to the middle relief role, our bullpen depth will become truly strong," he smiled.

Wells' move to the bullpen was planned. However, it was somewhat surprising that the decision was not changed despite his excellent performance as a starting pitcher. Wells, who took over as a starter due to Son Ju-young's sudden injury, has posted impressive stats with 3 games, 1 win, 1 loss, an earned run average of 2.12, 17 innings pitched, and 9 strikeouts.

Director Yom said, "Wells' ability to throw well is largely due to his experience from last year. His repertoire of pitches is not bad, and his deception is good. The front office did an excellent job in selecting him. Having worked in the front office myself, I have no comments on their decision."

He continued, "They have seen far more than I have, and it is natural that those who have seen more make better selections. Instead, I focus on effectively utilizing the players they have chosen. Foreign players will not be used indiscriminately; they will be deployed only after filling the necessary gaps. Wells will move to the bullpen when Son Ju-young returns. He can serve as either a long reliever or a member of the victory rotation. The difference between a team that holds a card to make quick changes when the starting pitcher is struggling and one that does not is significant," he emphasized.

With a bullpen well-rested and fully energized, the addition of a fresh starting pitcher amplifies their effectiveness. As of the conclusion of games on the 16th, LG's bullpen posted an earned run average of 3.34, ranking third in the league. Despite this, the bullpen has never been used on three consecutive days, and its two-day usage streaks are tied for the league minimum at first place. The pitcher with the most two-day usage streaks is closer You Young-chan, who has done so three times.

Director Yom stated, "I do not use the winning lineup excessively during the first half, even if we are on a winning streak. Of course, if there are remaining cards, I will use the best lineup from them. Hoarding remaining cards is foolish." He emphasized, "According to my studies, we must do this during the first half to develop and utilize new cards. We must continue to create new cards until the decisive moment, as this generates a greater ripple effect."

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*This content was translated by AI.