'Washed away the trauma of a grand slam': SSG's Lee Run-oa called up suddenly, "I'll be used as a key reliever; I've gained confidence" [Incheon Field Report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Can Lee Run-oa (22, SSG Landers), a key reliever whose pride was bruised, make a comeback?

Lee Run-oa was registered for the first-division roster ahead of the Hanwha Eagles home game at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 27th in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

Expectations for Lee Run-oa are high. Selected in the first round, fifth overall pick of the 2023 rookie draft, Lee wore the SSG uniform and spent his first two seasons adjusting, but last year he soared to perfection with 33 holds and an ERA of 1.99.

However, he experienced severe ups and downs this season. Until April, he delivered dominant pitching with 3 wins, 2 holds, and an ERA of 0.77, but he began to falter sharply in May. His ERA in May was 8.78.

The shock in June was even greater. He allowed three home runs in seven games, all of them grand slams. He took on three losses (one win, one hold) in June alone, and his ERA reached 15.88.

Not only Lee Run-oa, but the starting pitchers failed to find stability from the start of the season, and the burden on the bullpen increased, causing key relievers to waver one after another. The team's ERA dropped to 5.76, the lowest in the league, and the bullpen ERA, which was the strongest last year, fell to 5.54, ranking ninth.

Lee Run-oa was sent to the minor league on the 17th, appeared in two games, and pitched scoreless over two innings. After about ten days, he immediately rejoined the first-division roster.

Earlier, Manager Lee had demoted Lee Run-oa, hoping he would regain confidence rather than focus on technical aspects. At the time, Manager Lee explained, "He must have been the most troubled. I hoped he would overcome it, but he was mentally struggling, so I sent him down. I thought it was time for him to rest."

Manager Lee Seung-yong said before the game, "He was called up quickly. I received a report that he was fine after watching him pitch yesterday. If Takeda pitches well, he will be used as a key reliever. (Moon) Seung-won is also reportedly feeling heavy in his body."

It appears he has regained his confidence. Manager Lee stated, "He looks brighter. He tested a new pitch. He had many concerns about his changeup, but those have been resolved. I intend to trust and use him. He also gained confidence in the minor league. He is a player with a positive mindset, so he recovered quickly."

On this day, SSG lined up with Jung Jun-jae (second baseman), Park Sung-han (shortstop), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Guillermo Heredia (left fielder), Jeon Ui-san (third baseman), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Kim Sung-wook (right fielder), and Shin Beom-soo (catcher). The starting pitcher was Takeda Shota.

With a record of 3 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw in their last 10 games, SSG currently sits in ninth place, 3.5 games behind eighth-place Lotte Giants. Can Lee Run-oa's return provide an opportunity for a comeback?

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.