*This content was translated by AI.
Hanwha Eagles manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) expressed gratitude to Jack Cushing (30) for not shying away from difficult tasks over the past six weeks.
Ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against KT Wiz to be held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 15th, Manager Kim Kyung-moon conveyed his sincere feelings: "Cushing worked hard when the team was in trouble. I am grateful, and I hope he gets called up and plays for another team as well."
Cushing is a right-handed pitcher who joined Hanwha as a foreign replacement for Owen White (27), who was sidelined with an injury after his first start of the season. He signed a six-week contract worth a total of $90,000, and today marked his final day.
Contrary to expectations that he would start, Cushing pitched in relief for the remaining 14 games after his first appearance. As a last-ditch effort to compensate for the sudden collapse of the bullpen, Hanwha deployed him wherever needed. As a result, over 15 KBO games, he left behind a diverse record: an ERA of 4.58, 1 win, 2 losses, 3 saves, 19⅔ innings, 6 walks, and 26 strikeouts.
In his final appearance so far, the game against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 14th, he pitched one inning, allowed one hit, issued no walks, and recorded one strikeout, finishing scoreless and completing four consecutive scoreless appearances.
White will be registered immediately to fill the spot left by Cushing. White, who made his KBO debut on March 31 against Daejeon KT Wiz, recorded 2⅔ innings (57 pitches) and one earned run before being diagnosed with a left hamstring tear and focusing solely on rehabilitation.
Fortunately, the prognosis was good. White threw fastballs averaging 146 km/h and reaching a top speed of 149 km/h in a Futures League game against the NC Dinos 2nd team on the 9th, and he has rejoined the first team. Manager Kim Kyung-moon smiled and said, "White will be out tomorrow (the 16th). We also hope our starters will get some rest and breathe easier."
On this day, Hanwha lined up with Lee Do-yoon (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 Won-seok (center fielder), and Sim Woo-jun (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Wang Yencheng.
In response, KT lined up with Choi Won-jun (right fielder), Kim Sang-su (second baseman), Kim Hyun-su (first baseman), Sam Hilliard (left fielder), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Jang Sung-woo (designated hitter), Bae Jung-dae (center fielder), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Lee Kang-min (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Ko Young-pyo.
Hanwha, continuing its three consecutive winning series, sent infielder Lee Do-yoon to lead off. Among Hanwha's explosive lineup, which leads the team in home runs, Lee Do-yoon is one of the hitters with hot form, batting .345 (10 hits in 29 at-bats) over his last 10 games.
Manager Kim Kyung-moon stated, "I sent Lee Do-yoon out because he is in good form. I want to praise the players a lot for (the three consecutive winning series). It is a winning series earned through everyone's hard work, so it is very valuable. Still, the team seems to be doing well as it stabilizes in April compared to before. We will focus and do well in today's game as well," he said with emphasis.
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*This content was translated by AI.
