From his return game, with 3⅔ innings and 4 earned runs, an ERA of 7.32 — is Chirinos really okay? Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop pointed out only 'two walks' [Daejeon]

*This content was translated by AI.

The result of a long wait was disappointing. After a regrettable return game, LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) pointed out just one thing to foreign pitcher Yoni Chirinos (33).

Ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against Hanwha Eagles at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park on the 10th, Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop stated, "Chirinos was fine in most aspects, but the two walks were the problem."

The day before (on the 9th), Chirinos made his return to the first division after 23 days since being removed from the first division on the 22nd of last month due to elbow pain. The game performance was somewhat disappointing. He allowed 3⅔ innings, 4 hits (1 home run), 4 walks and hit-by-pitches (3 walks, 1 hit-by-pitch), recorded 4 strikeouts, and gave up 4 earned runs, taking on the third loss of the season (1 win). As a result, his season ERA rose to 7.32.

In the first two innings, he did well by getting six batters out, allowing only Noh Si-hwan to get a hit. However, in the third inning with one out and a runner on first, he gave up a two-run home run to Yonatan Peraza, and things began to wobble. In the fourth inning, after eight-pitch battles against Noh Si-hwan and Kim Tae-yeon, he issued walks to both, bringing on a bases-loaded crisis. Subsequently, he allowed a two-run RBI single to Hwang Young-mok, increasing the run total. Ultimately, after issuing a walk to Lee Jin-young, he was replaced by Bae Jae-jun and left the mound.

The manager expressed regret over the home run given up to Peraza and the walks surrendered to Noh Si-hwan and Kim Tae-yeon, even in favorable count situations. Manager Yeom said, "The sinker dropping was not bad. In the fourth inning, there was also fatigue, but ultimately the two walks were the problem. With two strikes and one ball, foul balls kept coming, and he was given a ball. (Bae) Jae-jun also could have avoided giving up a run, but giving a ball in a favorable count was regrettable."

Of course, Chirinos's physical condition is not at 100%. Chirinos is also working to improve his condition, and his performance at 100% was proven last year with 13 wins. "Chirinos is not a pitcher who inherently lacks control," Manager Yeom explained, adding, "From the start of season preparation, there were issues with his sweeper. He was also concerned about this, and yesterday (on the 9th), his sweeper became a ball in a favorable count, causing difficulties."

He continued, "Peraza hit the two-run home run well. When throwing a sinker, sometimes it doesn't get enough rotation and goes over the plate. Since sinker pitchers throw the sinker nearly 50% of the time, balls that move away will inevitably come out. It is the batter who hit that mistake well. I expect him to bounce back if his sweeper control improves."

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.