A bold strategic move! Jang Hyun-sik's second start: "Since it's Tuesday, we might move the bullpen quickly"

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) hinted at a plan to observe the game situation and potentially deploy relief pitchers quickly when utilizing Jang Hyun-sik (31) as the starting pitcher for the first midweek game.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop met with reporters on the 23rd ahead of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' match against the Samsung Lions, scheduled to be held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, and discussed the pitching plan for starting pitcher Jang Hyun-sik.

In response to a question from StarNews, Manager Yeom pointed out that it is the "first game of the week" and emphasized that "the team's bullpen is not currently overburdened." He added that, as it is the first game, they will strive to play a game they can win, and warned of a tight game operation unless the score difference widens significantly in the early innings.

Jang Hyun-sik completed his first start of the season in the game against KIA in Gwangju on the 17th. He pitched 4⅔ innings, allowing 6 hits (1 home run) and 2 earned runs, achieving only half success. Given the possibility of a twice-weekly start on the 28th, he took a cautious stance regarding the number of pitches and innings consumed.

Manager Yeom stated, "For now, we will put Jang Hyun-sik on the starting mound and, starting tomorrow, distinguish between pitchers who will not be used and those who will be used to continue the midweek series," but also added, "Today, we plan to win by making (pitcher) substitutions as quickly as possible." This is interpreted as a calculation unique to "Yeom-gal-ryang," suggesting that rather than extending Jang Hyun-sik's innings unconditionally, they will activate the bullpen quickly according to the game situation to secure a victory.

Meanwhile, he also mentioned the return schedule for left-handed pitcher Song Seung-gi, who is recovering from an injury. Manager Yeom conveyed, "Ultimately, once a judgment is made that there is no abnormality, we plan to start pitching from tomorrow and aim for a return around next week." There is a possibility of his return in the final game of the three-game series against Lotte this weekend. When asked whether Song Seung-gi or Jang Hyun-sik would be the starting pitcher on the 28th, Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop maintained caution, saying, "I think we need to check Song Seung-gi's physical condition along with today's game and make a final decision."

Meanwhile, LG lined up its starting lineup against Samsung starter Choi Won-tae as follows: Hong Chang-ki (right fielder), Park Hae-min (center fielder), Austin (first baseman), Moon Bo-kyung (third baseman), Oh Ji-hwan (shortstop), Song Chan-ui (designated hitter), Park Dong-won (catcher), Moon Sung-ju (left fielder), and Gu Bon-hyeok (second baseman).

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*This content was translated by AI.