'Bullpen pitcher starts + 0B2S pitcher substitution' unpredictable. Hanwha mound finally stabilizing amid 'store temporarily closed' foreign investor joins first division [Daejeon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Hanwha Eagles mound, which had faced unpredictable operations due to consecutive injuries among starting pitchers, is finally showing signs of stabilization.

Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon announced on the 10th that foreign pitcher Owen White (27) has joined the first division ahead of the home game against the LG Twins at the Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park for the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season. "White has joined us today (10th). He has been away from us for too long," he said.

This is very welcome news for Hanwha. White, who joined Hanwha this year, recorded 2⅓ innings (57 pitches), one earned run in his KBO debut game against the KT Wiz on March 31 in Daejeon, but was effectively placed on the sidelines due to a left hamstring tear.

About six weeks of rehabilitation were expected, and after appearing in two Futures League games, he completed preparations for his return to the first division. The previous day (9th), in a game against the NC 2nd division team in Masan, he threw a total of 69 pitches, including 18 fastballs averaging 146 km/h with a top speed of 149 km/h, 16 sweepers, 9 cutters, 8 forkballs, and 5 two-seam fastballs, checking his repertoire.

With White's return, Hanwha's starting rotation can now operate normally. At the beginning of the season, Hanwha faced difficulties as White's injury was followed by surgeries for Eom Sang-baek and Moon Dong-ju, both of whom were out for the season.

As a result, unpredictable mound operations frequently occurred. Replacement foreign pitcher Jack Cushing appeared in a 2-out, bases-loaded situation with 0B2S, threw only one pitch, and was then removed. Jung Woo-ju (20), who had prepared for the season as a relief pitcher, also received a starting opportunity.

However, with White's return and Will Hernandez (27), who has been dealing with elbow pain, set to return next week, systematic scheduling of appearances has become possible. Manager Kim Kyung-moon smiled and said, "Pitchers always need to coordinate with fielders when they throw. That is why White has joined the first division immediately today. Hernandez will also be fully back next week. I think the starting rotation will take shape by next week. We need to improve as well."

He added, "When a starting pitcher throws 5 to 6 innings, the bullpen can prepare accordingly. This is different from putting this player or that player in the starting lineup as we have been doing. The team then looks very light. Once today (10th) passes, next week will be the timing when the starters settle in, so we are hopeful."

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*This content was translated by AI.