'Last-Minute Departure of Key Duo' Overcome: Samsung Secures Second Place in First Half; Manager Credits Bullpen... Specifically Highlights 'One Player'

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man (50) identified the pitching staff as the key to securing at least second place during the 2026 season's first half, which was plagued by numerous setbacks.

This season, Samsung faced many early-season challenges. Matt Manning, considered a top foreign pitcher, and existing ace Won Tae-in were both sidelined with elbow injuries and missed the opening day roster.

Compounding the issue, the lineup—once regarded as a strength—weakened due to consecutive injuries. Starting with Kim Sung-yoon being demoted from the first division due to side pain, players including Kim Young-woong (hamstring), Gu Ja-wook (microfracture in the fibula), and Lee Jae-hyun (back) departed one after another. As a result, by mid-April, Samsung fell into a seven-game losing streak and dropped to mid-table.

In response, manager Park Jin-man stated ahead of the the 7th game against Daegu LG: "We experienced many ups and downs, including a seven-game losing streak early in the season. Nevertheless, what allowed us to survive the first half was our pitching strength. When our batting cycle faltered, the pitchers held firm, enabling us to compete for first and second place now. If we can elevate our batting pace in the second half, we may even exceed our target ranking."

Indeed, during April—the most difficult month—Samsung's pitching staff recorded an ERA of 4.09 (fifth in the league). Particularly notable were the performances of closer Kim Jae-yoon, along with Bae Chan-seung, Lee Seung-min, and Im Ki-young. Samsung's starting pitchers posted a 4.81 ERA for April, ranking last in the league. However, the bullpen achieved an ERA of 3.22 over the same period, securing an overwhelming first place, significantly ahead of second-place Kiwoom Heroes at 3.59.

Bae Chan-seung recorded a 1.74 ERA in 13 games, Lee Seung-min posted a 1.32 ERA in 13 games, and closer Kim Jae-yoon maintained a 3.12 ERA in 11 games without easily surrendering the lead. The bullpen's strong performance continued beyond April, effectively securing first place in the league for the first half with an ERA of 3.75. The second-place bullpen team was Doosan Bears at 4.38 as of the conclusion of games on the 7th.

Manager Park Jin-man expressed gratitude regarding the bullpen's performance this season: "Honestly, I did not expect this. However, what gave me hope was that many power pitchers who had undergone surgery and returned were available. I anticipated their rehabilitation would strengthen the staff significantly. Thanks to them, other players also gained greater stability."

In particular, he singled out closer Kim Jae-yoon as the top contributor. After the 2023 season, Kim signed a four-year, 5.8 billion won free agent contract with Samsung. Over the past two years, he struggled with an ERA in the 4th-point range. Unlike his previous record of 30 saves for three consecutive seasons, he accumulated only 24 saves during his two years with Samsung.

However, this year shows a dramatically different picture. With 39 games played, 4 wins, 3 losses, 21 saves, an ERA of 2.45, and 40 strikeouts in 36⅔ innings, he is on track for a career-high. He currently leads the saves ranking, holding a two-save lead over second-place Son Ju-young (LG), and is also competing for his first individual title.

Manager Park Jin-man stated: "We have faced significant difficulties in the latter stages of games over the past few years. However, (Kim) Jae-yoon has firmly established himself in that role. Because he ensures we win games we must win, we have been able to reach this point. While other relievers like Lee Seung-min and Choi Ji-kwang contribute, Kim Jae-yoon's role was by far the most critical."

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*This content was translated by AI.