"Five relief wins are the tears of a starter": Jang Hyun-sik, lowering his posture, sets himself up to throw 100 pitches as an All-Star break challenge

*This content was translated by AI.

Was it his nature as a starter? Jang Hyun-sik (31, LG Twins) secured his second win just four games after switching to starting pitcher.

On the 4th, Jang started against the Hanwha Eagles at the home game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League held at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, Songpa-gu, Seoul. He threw 88 pitches over five innings, allowing three hits and two walks while striking out three batters in a scoreless performance.

Jang was drafted by the NC Dinos in the first round of the 2013 rookie draft. He was traded to the KIA Tigers in 2020 and went on to serve as a key reliever for KIA. In 2021, he recorded 34 holds, and in 2024, he posted a record of five wins, four losses, and 16 holds, contributing to KIA's championship victory.

Before the 2025 season, Jang became a free agent (FA) and signed a four-year contract worth 5.2 billion won with LG. Last year, he recorded three wins, three losses, 10 saves, and five holds, earning his second consecutive championship ring.

Jang served as LG's primary reliever through April but experienced ups and downs in May, even spending time in the minor league to adjust. In June, his role changed. After appearing twice as a long reliever, he officially joined the starting rotation from mid-last month. Head Coach Yeom Kyung-yeop firmly designated him as the "fourth starter," expressing confidence in Jang.

In his first game as a starter, Jang showed promise by pitching 4⅔ innings and allowing two runs. In his second start on the 23rd of last month against the Samsung Lions, he threw five scoreless innings to earn his first starting win since September 2017 — a span of 3,191 days. Although he gave up four runs in just 2⅔ innings during his next outing against the Lotte Giants on the 28th of last month, today's game was completely different after he gritted his teeth and returned with determination.

He allowed baserunners in each of the first three innings but managed to hold them off without allowing any runs. In the fourth and fifth innings, he retired all three batters in order. After throwing a season-high 88 pitches as a starter, Jang handed the ball over to the bullpen starting from the sixth inning.

Jang threw his fastball at speeds ranging from a high of 148 km/h to a low of 141 km/h for more than half of his total pitches (45 pitches). He also used sliders 27 times, forkballs nine times, and curveballs seven times. By mixing in breaking balls at the right moments, he effectively shut down the Hanwha lineup and secured his second win as a starter — his seventh win of the season (with three losses, two saves, and seven holds).

After the game, Jang said, "I should have gotten into the game more seriously because I threw too many pitches. There were moments when I felt a bit shaken, but my teammate Park Dong-won did a great job of cutting off the momentum, which allowed me to think about how to pitch again and make it through five innings."

Although he achieved two wins in just his fourth game as a starter, Jang is not easily satisfied. "I had favorable counts but couldn't get results when I needed to, which was a bit disappointing," said Jang. He added, "I've started before, but if you're a starter, your role is ultimately to pitch many innings. Since I've increased my workload significantly, if I continue as a starter in the second half, I think pitching more innings will be the most important thing."

Facing Hanwha, which has been hitting 19 home runs in their last 10 games and boasting formidable power, required caution. However, Jang explained, "I thought their batting lineup would have high confidence, so I prepared thoroughly to enter the game seriously but avoid being too aggressive. I tried to make them look like they were struggling." He continued, "If I had relied on pure power through the third inning, I realized afterward that I needed to learn how to pitch without relying solely on strength. That way, I was able to throw well without many pitches dropping off."

Although giving up four runs in 2⅔ innings in his previous game was painful, it became an opportunity for reflection. Jang said, "I think resting for four days before pitching is just an excuse. Since it's been a while since I started, my recovery was slower. Without proper recovery, I had many difficulties with control." He added, "This time, I came here with the goal of building a body that could pitch aggressively, but even then, things didn't go well, which is truly difficult."

I can't be 100% satisfied, but the result is good. I've already reached seven wins. Although five of those were as a reliever, my total places me tied for seventh in wins, just two wins behind the leader. However, Jang said, "I think five relief wins are the tears of a starter. That's why I know well that if I pitch many innings, it will make it easier for bullpen pitchers to come out comfortably. With that sense of responsibility, I will keep pitching."

Jang is fully aware of the hardships faced by both starters and relievers. He said, "As I mentioned before, being a reliever is not an easy position; every day brings uncertainty." He added, "Even if we lose a win, I have no lingering regrets or disappointments about that. My only wish is for our bullpen pitchers to continue achieving good results."

Returning to the unfamiliar role of starting pitcher still feels strange. Advice from coach Kim Kwang-sam has been a great help. "I've learned so much about how to face batters," he said, expressing gratitude for the significant assistance in that area.

Jang believes the biggest difference between relievers and starters is stamina. Before the second half begins, his goal is clear: "I need to build my body. First, I want to make myself stronger and develop a physique that won't tire even when throwing many pitches. That seems most important." He explained, "As a starter, your velocity and control must remain consistent from the first pitch to the 100th. If you get shaken by trouble later on and have to come out, it means you lack physical stamina. Ultimately, that puts a burden on the bullpen. My ambition is to maintain the same level of performance until I'm taken out."

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*This content was translated by AI.