'The White Who Vanished from Memory,' Could He Be the Final Puzzle Piece for Hanwha, the 'Weakest Link'? "Will Join the Minor League Games Soon" [Daejeon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Could Owen White (27) become the final puzzle piece for the Hanwha Eagles? The clock for his return has finally begun to tick.

Kim Kyung-moon (68), the Hanwha manager, met with reporters on the 29th ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against SSG Landers at Daejeon Hanwha Life Wins Park. "We practiced together for about a week while training at home," he said, adding, "He will now return and soon pitch in the minor leagues."

White was the foreign pitcher Hanwha ambitiously signed ahead of this season. As a right-handed pitcher capable of throwing a fastball reaching a top speed of 155 km/h, he utilizes a variety of pitches including a cutter, sweeper, curveball, and changeup, garnering high expectations. A top prospect from Major League Baseball, he is still in his mid-20s and has ample room for further development.

He experienced Major League Baseball for three consecutive seasons from 2023 to 2025. In the minor leagues, he pitched 404 1/3 innings in 98 games (78 starts), recording 19 wins, 24 losses, 392 strikeouts, and an ERA of 4.38. In spring training, he was responsible for 14 1/3 innings over 3 games, delivering solid pitching with an ERA of 3.14.

The problem was injury. His ankle was an issue from the first game. White, who started against KT Wiz on the 31st of last month, tore his leg while covering first base during fielding and felt pain, eventually being replaced. He underwent an examination the following day and was diagnosed with a tear in his left hamstring muscle. Consequently, Hanwha had to bring in temporary replacement foreign pitcher Jack Cushing.

White has already started catch practice and has joined the first team, even participating in bullpen pitching. His presence was visible during pre-game training today as well.

For now, results in the Futures League are expected to be important. Manager Kim stated, "He is said to start with around 20 pitches."

As closer Kim Seo-hyun struggled, Cushing took on the temporary closer role, contrary to the original plan. However, he has performed solidly over 8 games, pitching 11 innings with 1 win, 1 loss, 1 save, and an ERA of 4.09. Although he gave up a run in extra innings the previous day, the team ultimately won. Manager Kim did not definitively state that White will immediately take over the closer role upon his return.

"I think we need to consider this until the end. Cushing pitched well yesterday, but we will decide after considering everything until his body is fully healed," he conveyed.

After securing a thrilling comeback victory in extra innings the previous day, Hanwha will start Hwang Jun-seo today. Manager Kim explained, "I hope he fulfills his role until the 5th inning. After that, it depends on the situation, and a pitcher will likely be prepared. Since we won a difficult game, I think we should step back a bit today, watch Jun-seo pitch, and adjust the pitch count accordingly."

Today, Hanwha lined up with O Jae-won (center fielder), Yonatan Peraza (right fielder), Moon Hyun-bin (left fielder), Noh Si-hwan (third baseman), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Chae Eun-seong (first baseman), Ha Joo-seok (second baseman), Choi Jae-hoon (catcher), and Sim Woo-jun (shortstop) to face SSG's first starter, Mitch White.

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*This content was translated by AI.