'Rookie starter' Jung Woo-ju faces 'league's strongest' An Woo-jin... "I believe Woo-ju will pitch even better," Coach Dal says [Gocheok]

*This content was translated by AI.

Jung Woo-ju (20, Hanwha Eagles) has once again been given a chance to start. Can Jung Woo-ju pull off a turnaround against An Woo-jin (27, Kiwoom Heroes), the league's top pitcher?

Jung Woo-ju is set to start in the visiting game against Kiwoom Heroes at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 14th as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League season.

In 18 games this season, Jung Woo-ju has appeared exclusively in relief, recording five holds without a win or loss, and has struggled with an ERA of 6.75. Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) has decided to utilize him as a starting pitcher.

In a game against the KIA Tigers on the 7th, Jung Woo-ju was pulled early after pitching just 1⅔ innings, allowing one hit, four walks, two strikeouts, and two runs. Despite this, Manager Kim stated, "For now, I want to give (Jung) Woo-ju the first opportunity. I plan to watch him pitch about three times and then discuss with the pitching coach accordingly."

Manager Kim added, "As a manager, I always want a starter to pitch at least five innings. I believe Woo-ju will pitch well today. The pitch count will be decided in consultation with the pitching coach as the innings progress."

The opposing starter today is An Woo-jin. After fulfilling his military obligation and undergoing surgery due to injury, he has returned and shown overwhelming dominance in five games, pitching 15 innings with a record of one win and one loss and an ERA of 1.80.

Manager Kim believes this matchup could serve as a stimulus for Jung Woo-ju. He expressed his expectation, saying, "I actually think Woo-ju will pitch even better."

Jung Woo-ju is a pitcher who has dreamed of becoming a starting pitcher since before joining the professional league. Having received three chances, he must now prove his definite potential within them.

In his previous game, he self-destructed by issuing many walks. While the diversity of his pitch repertoire is regrettable, given his exceptional fastball velocity, he must demonstrate that he can be effective as a starter through aggressive pitching.

Hanwha lined up its batting order as follows against An Woo-jin: Hwang Young-mok (second baseman), Yonatan Peraza (right fielder), Moon Hyun-bin (left fielder), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Noh Si-hwan (third baseman), Heo In-seo (catcher), Kim Tae-yeon (first baseman), Lee Do-yoon (shortstop), and Lee Won-seok (center fielder).

Jung Woo-ju will face Kiwoom's batting lineup, which consists of Seo Geon-chang (designated hitter), Ahn Chi-hong (second baseman), Choi Ju-hwan (first baseman), Im Byung-wook (right fielder), Trenton Brooks (left fielder), Park Ju-hong (center fielder), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Choi Jae-young (third baseman), and Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop).

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*This content was translated by AI.