"Can't LG manage without Yeom Kyung-yeop?" How is it possible to maintain a 27-day solo lead at first place despite swapping the closer and starting pitcher?

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) revealed the reasons behind his team's continued lead despite multiple setbacks, including the closer being sidelined for the season and the replacement of a foreign investor.

Last year's Korean Series champion LG entered the 2026 season with the goal of back-to-back unified championships. However, misfortunes struck, starting with an injury to starting pitcher Son Ju-young (28) to his inner thigh muscle just before the season opener, followed by a back injury to third baseman Moon Bo-kyung (26). To make matters worse, closer Yoo Young-chan (29) was sidelined a month later for elbow surgery. Starting pitcher Yoni Chirinos (33), who struggled for a long time with an 8-game record of 2 wins and 3 losses and an ERA of 6.68, was replaced in early June, causing significant instability on the mound.

However, as of the game on the 25th, LG sits in first place with 47 wins and 27 losses. Since rising to first place on May 30, the team has not allowed more than three consecutive losses, maintaining a three-game lead over second-place KT Wiz (43 wins, 1 draw, 29 losses). This marks the 27th day.

The manager attributes this secret to the strength of the system built by the LG club. Before the match against Jamsil Samsung Lions on the 25th, Manager Yeom said, "I believe we must always do our best in every game given the circumstances. I constantly emphasize this to the players and urge them to maintain good momentum for as long as possible. Furthermore, to change that momentum, we must focus even more and, if necessary, play comfortably even when things are not going well."

He added, "Reaching a win-loss margin of +20 at the halfway point is truly no easy feat. A +20 record can only be achieved when the starting pitchers, bullpen, and batting lineup are all at their best without injuries. A +30 win-loss margin usually means finishing first in the pennant race, doesn't it?"

Since General Manager Cha Myeong-seok (57) took office in 2019, LG has successfully qualified for the postseason (PS) for seven consecutive years. The team entered its prime after Manager Yeom took over in 2023, recording a win-loss margin of +89 over the past three years alongside two unified championships.

On the previous day, the 24th, during the Jamsil Samsung game, when the team achieved the 9th and oldest 700-win record in KBO history, the manager credited the players, coaching staff, and front office. Manager Yeom reflected, "This season also had many difficulties. However, it wasn't because one person did well, but because the front office, coaching staff, and players all performed well. Even in a situation of shortages, we focused on what we could do and did not overexert ourselves in any given game."

He continued, "I am truly grateful that we, the players and coaching staff, achieved this without overreaching. If we do not unite during difficult times, we cannot produce any results in a situation of shortages. These things will ultimately become LG's strengths in the future. If these cultures continue to update positively and form momentum, I believe LG can certainly grow into a strong team in the league."

Every team and every manager emphasizes a unified team, a One-Team. However, it is not easy to create a culture that acknowledges shortcomings and focuses solely on baseball. The experience of last year, where the team held firm despite a three-month absence of KBO's leading on-base percentage leader Hong Chang-ki (33), instilled strong confidence in the players.

Manager Yeom emphasized, "I do not think our team cannot function without any one person. Now, our players also do not think the team cannot function without any one person, which is why it works. LG does not fail without Yeom Kyung-yeop. It is not that the team fails without Oh Ji-hwan. (If someone is missing,) creating results within that framework is what a professional team should do."

He then smiled, saying, "Now, we play the same game regardless of who is missing. This is a part that has improved significantly over the past three years. Until last year, we were the 'Hong Chang-ki Twins.' Before that, we thought the damage would be huge if Chang-ki was missing, but that has been filled. Of course, it is true that we struggled in the process of building depth in 2024. But it helped when our backup captains reached a level where they could compete to some extent with the first-division players."

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*This content was translated by AI.