'Signs of a massive hit' starting pitcher with 'ERA 0.00' quickly transforms into closer → Ultimately, Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop's 'divine move' pays off

*This content was translated by AI.

Starting pitchers remain starting pitchers. Relief pitchers remain relief pitchers. But that was not the case. The commander's flexible tactical move, breaking the rigidity of accidents, is turning out to be a divine move. This is the story of Yeom Kyung-yeop (58), manager of the LG Twins, and pitcher Son Ju-young (28).

Son Ju-young has appeared in all four games this season as a reliever, recording three saves with an ERA of 0.00, without a win or loss. Over a total of 5 innings, he has posted detailed statistics of 4 hits allowed, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, an innings per hit plus walk (WHIP) of 1.00, and a batting average against of 0.211.

His first appearance of the season was against the Hanwha Eagles on the 9th. At the time, he appeared as the team's third pitcher, pitching 2 scoreless innings with 3 hits allowed and 2 strikeouts.

LG lost its closer, Yoo Young-chan, from the lineup at the end of last month. There were also discussions about the return of Ko Woo-seok, who is playing in Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States, but it ultimately did not happen. This was because he expressed his determination to stay in the United States and continue his challenge.

Ultimately, the commander's choice was not an existing relief pitcher, but a conversion of a starting pitcher to a closer. Manager Yeom is known as a manager who is more open than anyone else, not bound by a player's position changes. He has no stereotypes. He is well known as a coach who maximizes a player's abilities according to the situation at hand.

His choice was Son Ju-young. Concerned voices were raised surrounding this decision. Above all, there was much talk about Son Ju-young's injury history.

Manager Yeom explained the background of his selection: "Considering mental strength, pitching ability, and breaking balls, I judged that it would be better for Son Ju-young to go to the closer role. In fact, it is important to know what mindset the player has. So, after having a conversation, he even expressed that it could be a good experience for his career. I was able to feel confidence in the process. Considering his experience and mental aspects, I thought he could do it."

He then emphasized, "For the first week, if he pitches one day, he will rest the next. He needs to adapt to the new role. We will also continuously check his arm condition with the training staff. Of course, we have also prepared a plan in case of failure. Still, I hope it leads to a good result."

In conclusion, Son Ju-young has shown a very stable performance so far. After taking three days of rest following his first appearance on the 9th, he appeared as a reliever against the Samsung Lions on the 13th, pitching a perfect 1-inning game with 1 strikeout and recording a save. After a day of rest, he added another save against the SSG Landers on the 15th, pitching 1 scoreless inning with 1 walk and 2 strikeouts. Furthermore, after another day of rest, he appeared as a reliever against SSG on the 17th, pitching 1 scoreless inning with 1 hit allowed and 2 strikeouts, securing another save. Three consecutive saves.

After the game on the 15th, Son Ju-young said, "I had no resistance whatsoever to the closer role. When I first returned, the team's starting pitchers were all performing so well. There was no spot. I thought I might really end up going to the closer role." He continued, "The manager said that (Yoo) Young-chan might also come back, and we don't know what will happen with (Ko) Woo-seok, so let's try it for one year. So I told him, 'That's fine. It will be fun. It will be a great experience. I want to practice more with my finishing pitches. I think positively. I have no plans to return to the starting rotation this year,' solidifying his resolve."

LG will play a six-game series this week against KIA (Gwangju) and Kiwoom (Jamsil). What kind of performance will Son Ju-young show again? Expectations from LG fans are rising.

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*This content was translated by AI.