Yeom Kyung-yeop makes a sudden decision! "From today, I judge that Son Ju-young is the best choice for the closer role, and I feel confident."

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) has made a decision. He directly announced that left-handed pitcher Son Ju-young (28) will be used as the team's closer.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop met with reporters ahead of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' match against Samsung Lions at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 12th, stating, "Starting from today's game, Son Ju-young will take the closer role."

LG has been struggling to find a closer this season. The team's previous closer, Yoo Young-chan, who boasted an impressive ERA of 0.75, was ruled out for the season due to an elbow injury after the April 24 game against Doosan at Jamsil. Attempts were made to fill Yoo Young-chan's vacancy with players such as Jang Hyun-sik and Ham Deok-ju, but the results were not satisfactory.

Ultimately, LG decided to assign Son Ju-young to the closer role. Son, who has appeared in 81 games in his first-division career, holds a record of 22 wins, 22 losses, and 1 hold. He has yet to record a save. On the 9th, Son pitched in relief for two innings, allowing three hits and striking out two batters without conceding a run, undergoing a test for the relief role. Following a coaching staff meeting on the 11th, when there was no game, the decision was finalized. Son, who had recovered from his injury, made his first appearance of the season on the 9th.

This can be viewed as a process to find a reliable closer. Manager Yeom explained, "Our team won eight consecutive games this season with Yoo Young-chan as the closer. After evaluating his mental strength, pitching velocity, and breaking balls, we concluded that Son Ju-young is the better choice for the closer role."

Son Ju-young reportedly shares the same view regarding his new role. Manager Yeom added, "It is important to know how the player feels. After speaking with him, he expressed that this could be a valuable experience in his career. During our conversation, I was able to sense his confidence. Considering his experience and mental fortitude, I believe he can handle it. His two-inning appearance last weekend was also part of building up for the closer role."

However, to avoid consecutive appearances in the first week of the closer role, Manager Yeom stated, "For the first week, we will follow a schedule where he pitches one day and rests the next. He needs to adapt to the new role. We will coordinate with the training staff to continuously monitor Son Ju-young's arm condition."

Finally, Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop emphasized, "I have also spoken with the club, and the decision went through the coaching staff meeting. This is the conclusion reached at the current moment, and the final decision was made today. We have also prepared a contingency plan in case of failure. Nevertheless, we hope it leads to a positive outcome."

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*This content was translated by AI.