A 'Buddha' appears on the LG mound after three key pitchers departed! How did LG's Kim Jin-su, with a fastball clocking under 150 km/h, win over Yeom Kyung-yeop's heart?

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) is fundamentally a believer in high-velocity fastballs. He considers a powerful fastball from a high-speed pitcher the best way to minimize variables. He does not hesitate to give opportunities to pitchers who throw fast.

This is even more true when building a closer or a winning rotation. A prime example is right-handed fireballer Kim Young-woo (21), who reached a top speed of 157 km/h and received opportunities from his debut year. Of course, fireballers are as rare as beans in a drought, so players like Kim Jin-sung (41) and Yoo Young-chan (29), who possess reliable breaking balls, also form a key part of the rotation.

However, recently, an unusual name has appeared in LG's winning rotation. It is right-hander Kim Jin-su (28), who graduated from Isecho-Gunsan Middle School, Gunsan High School, and Chung-Ang University before joining LG as the 17th pick in the second round of the second phase of the 2021 KBO Rookie Draft. Kim Jin-su's average fastball velocity is only 144 km/h. Nor does he possess an exceptional breaking ball.

As a result, he mostly stayed in the Futures League. When he was called up to the first division on April 11 due to a string of injuries among starters, it was seen as a temporary measure. Yet, he has held a spot in the first division for over two months. Initially appearing only in chase roles, he is now not only pitching in the late 7th to 9th innings but has even received starting opportunities. As of the game on the 23rd, he has recorded 3 wins, 3 losses, 3 holds, and 1 save in 23 games, with an ERA of 3.45 over 28⅔ innings, 9 walks, and 18 strikeouts, having already risen to the winning rotation.

His bold pitching style has also slightly changed the manager's evaluation. Manager Yeom praised him during the Daejeon Hanwha game on the 9th, saying, "I really like (Kim) Jin-su's style. Since last year's camp, his appearance on the mound was the best among our middle relievers. Jin-su's average fastball velocity is around 144 km/h. He hits 148 km/h only occasionally. But he is confident on the mound."

In fact, it is hard to find any change in expression on Kim Jin-su while on the mound. So much so that some fans have even joked that since 'Tripitaka Master' Yoo Young-chan left, a 'Buddha' has arrived.

Regarding this, Kim Jin-su, who met with reporters recently in Gwangju, smiled and said, "I am grateful if you view me positively. I try to stay calm every time, so it may seem like I am not shaken from the outside."

Kim Jin-su was a player known for his character as number one by the coaches who taught him since his time at Gunsan High School and Chung-Ang University. He has always been diligent and silent in doing his job. Many people supporting Kim Jin-su's recent success also appreciate his demeanor.

He was born in Japan due to his father's business and started playing baseball there. It is said that the influence of Japanese baseball, which emphasizes fundamentals, was not negligible. Kim Jin-su stated, "Honestly, I cannot say that what I learned in Japan had no influence at all. I focused heavily on fundamentals from a young age, and since I was not a player with significant advantages, I always honed my control."

Based on his stable control, he throws all types of pitches at an average level, making it easy for catchers to guide him. Furthermore, his aggressive approach to the inside part of the plate actually steals the batters' timing.

Kim Jin-su revealed, "My velocity is not particularly fast, so in the past, I focused on stealing the batters' timing. However, through camp and advice from the coaches, I have been able to throw strikes with more confidence. Now, I am thinking about how to improve my breaking balls."

Veteran Lim Chan-kyu (34), who possesses similar strengths, is a good role model. Lim Chan-kyu also entered a second prime after losing his high-velocity fastball, focusing his pitch design on changeup pitch tunnels and movement.

Kim Jin-su emphasized, "Senior (Lim) Chan-kyu is someone who puts in a lot of effort fundamentally. He knows how to steal batters' timing and run the game to his advantage. He is always researching and working hard on this and shares his knowledge with me, which is always new. In that regard, I think he is a player worthy of respect and have made him my role model."

Although he is approaching thirty, he has no intention of stopping his growth. Kim Jin-su reflected, "I think my first turning point was during my freshman year of university. It was against Sungkyunkwan University, and the starting pitcher came down early, so I took responsibility for the innings after that. I remember pitching well at that time."

He continued, "I also remember the recent KIA away game (June 16, one perfect inning). The previous game was a start, and Senior (Park) Dong-won, Senior (Lim) Chan-kyu, and Coach (Kim) Kwang-sam gave me a lot of advice. That advice shone during the KIA game. It went as I had planned, and I was satisfied with the pitch design and the pitcher's duel."

As Kim Jin-su continues to develop gradually, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop has not ruled out the possibility of him starting. Kim Jin-su already has experience as a starter in the Futures League last year. If Kim Jin-su becomes even one axis of the 1st+1 card for LG, where the 4th and 5th starters are shaky, it will be a great help. Kim Jin-su responded, "It's not that a particular game became a turning point and I improved; rather, every game is an opportunity for me. I am grateful just to be given these opportunities, and I am growing through feedback from each game."

He added, "I am only grateful that the team trusts me. But I do not worry too much about it. I do my best in what I can do and am satisfied with contributing to the team's victory. I pitch hard with the hope that I can be of even a little help."

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*This content was translated by AI.