'White shoulder pain' SSG on high alert, considering a foreign investor for up to six weeks... 'Starting pitcher's ERA ranks 9th' — what to do? [Daejeon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Starting without Kim Kwang-hyun and with rookie Kim Min-jun also sidelined, another blow has hit the SSG Landers mound. First starter Mitch White (32) is now showing pain that raises suspicion of a shoulder injury.

SSG manager Lee Sung-yong (55) met with reporters ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League visiting game against the Hanwha Eagles at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park on the 30th, stating, "We have been facing many difficulties with our starting pitchers, and now with our first starter also affected, we are deeply concerned."

White, who started the previous day, recorded one run allowed over four innings before suddenly complaining of pain and was relieved by Moon Seung-won starting from the fifth inning.

After the previous game, the SSG organization stated, "White felt tightness near his right shoulder, so he was substituted for player protection," and ahead of today's game, added, "White continues to feel discomfort today, and we plan to conduct a detailed medical examination at a hospital tomorrow."

Both Kim Kwang-hyun and Kim Min-jun, who were expected to anchor the starting rotation, are sidelined due to shoulder injuries. While Kim Min-jun is gradually preparing to return, the unexpected injury to White has raised further concerns.

The team is preparing for any eventuality. Manager Lee said, "We should know more by tomorrow. Since it involves the shoulder, I am worried. Last time, (Kim) Min-jun also said his shoulder felt a bit off after throwing. Most pitchers carry some level of discomfort, but I am concerned. We need to keep watching."

He continued, "Our front office handles things quickly. We need to consider various options. For now, I think we should look for the earliest available replacement. As a manager, I must consider even the worst-case scenarios, so naturally, we have to think about a temporary replacement. That's why I couldn't sleep well yesterday and am deeply worried."

Last year, SSG finished third thanks to a solid pitching staff. This season, their ERA stands at 4.12, also ranking third, but unlike their powerful bullpen, their starting rotation sits at 4.59, ranking ninth. With White's injury now in question, concerns have grown even larger.

SSG will start native ace Kim Geon-woo today, facing off against rival ace Ryu Hyun-jin. SSG will lineup Park Sung-han (shortstop), An Sang-hyun (second baseman), Choi Jeong (third baseman), Guillermo Heredia (left fielder), Han Yu-seom (designated hitter), Kim Sung-wook (right fielder), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Oh Tae-gon (first baseman), and Cho Hyung-woo (catcher) against Ryu Hyun-jin.

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*This content was translated by AI.