*This content was translated by AI.
Two consecutive scoreless outings. Kim Seo-hyun (22, Hanwha Eagles) is working hard to recapture last year's glory. Supportive teammates in the minor league are diligently helping Kim Seo-hyun make a comeback.
On the 29th, in a 2026 Medihill KBO Futures League home game against the Goyang Heroes at Seosan Stadium in South Chungcheong Province, Kim Seo-hyun entered in the bottom of the sixth inning, threw 21 pitches, and recorded one hit, one walk, and one strikeout, delivering a scoreless inning.
Following a scoreless two-inning performance against Goyang on the 27th, which included one walk, one hit-by-pitch, and two strikeouts, Kim Seo-hyun extended his scoreless streak to two consecutive games.
Last year, he became the first right-handed pitcher from the Eagles to record at least 30 saves. This season, however, he has suffered severe slumps and, seeking adjustments, was sent to the minor league for the second time of the season on the 13th of last month, where he has remained for over a month and a half.
The biggest issue this season has been walks and hit-by-pitches. Although the team proposed pitching form corrections and control improvements, Kim Seo-hyun expressed his determination to handle it himself. He was then given a mission to refine his control in the minor league and return stronger, prompting his move to the minor league.
While some instability remains, gradual improvement is visible. In May, over eight games, he recorded one save and one hold, but his ERA reached 7.00. In June, over nine games, his ERA has improved to 2.45, showing a transformed performance.
A significant change occurred. Following coach Jung Woo-ram's suggestion, Kim Seo-hyun has been eating mostly salads and chicken breast for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, losing a remarkable 8 kg. Through the team's YouTube channel, EaglesTV, Kim Seo-hyun said, "My body feels lighter. They told me to lose weight first and then take it step by step." He added, "I'm focusing on maintaining balance and ensuring my knees don't collapse when lifting my legs."
He is quickly adapting to the new approach. Kim Seo-hyun shared, "At first, I was overly conscious of my movements, but through drills and extra training, I'm now able to throw with just a bit of awareness."
Due to his poor start to the season, Kim Seo-hyun himself felt immense pressure. He revealed, "My last game of the season was against KIA. Even then, my velocity was there, but my command was significantly off, and the pitches didn't feel like last year's, which caused a lot of stress. I wanted to clear my mind and prepare well for the next game, but I felt discouraged."
Kim Seo-hyun also explained, "In the early part of the season, I gave up many runs due to walks and wild pitches. Now, I've significantly reduced both wild pitches and pitches that stray far from the plate, which I view as positive progress."
Coaches Kwak Jeong-cheol and Jung Woo-ram are providing special care. Kim Seo-hyun smiled, "Coach Kwak Jeong-cheol often jokes around when I'm in the bullpen to help me relax, and Coach Jung Woo-ram gives me detailed guidance on what to focus on during training. I feel very loved."
Fans, Kim Kyung-moon, the manager, and baseball fans alike acknowledge that Kim Seo-hyun possesses sufficient talent. Especially, the desire to repay the fans motivates Kim Seo-hyun. "I'm working hard to prepare to show performances that fans can trust," said Kim Seo-hyun, who noted, "I've received many messages from fans. Since I've been in the minor league, many have said, 'We want to see you in the first division.' I'm working hard to return to the first division, and because fans continue to support me, I feel encouraged to keep pushing forward. I want to express my gratitude."
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*This content was translated by AI.
