'Four-game winning streak followed by 2 wins and 7 losses' — Kim Geon-woo's slump, with a coach who said, "Today is important for him too"... Will he fire the starting gun for a comeback? [Incheon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Beyond simply filling in for injured pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun, he was selected as the top domestic starter. He dominated the first half with four consecutive wins and an ERA of 3.23, but after that, he managed only two more victories while absorbing seven losses. This game is important not just for Kim Geon-woo (24, SSG Landers), but also for the SSG Landers organization.

Kim Geon-woo will make his first start of the season in a home game against the KIA Tigers at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 19th as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League schedule.

This is his first appearance since struggling through four innings and allowing seven runs in a game against the Samsung Lions on the 5th, marking a return after two weeks. Given that he had consistently appeared in the rotation throughout the first half without missing any starts, there is anticipation as to whether this extended rest will serve as effective recovery.

Kim Geon-woo joined the SK Wyverns (the predecessor of SSG) as their final first-round draft pick in 2021. After completing his mandatory military service with the Army Baseball Team (now known as Sangmu), he earned a starting role late last year, showing promise. This season, through April, he demonstrated exceptional consistency and stability.

However, as the entire starting rotation faltered, Kim Geon-woo also failed to find his footing. He ultimately concluded the first half with 17 games pitched over 79⅔ innings, recording six wins and seven losses with an ERA of 6.67. Although he led the team in wins and recorded the most quality starts (defined as a starting pitcher completing at least six innings while allowing three or fewer earned runs), the total reached only three — a result that left him personally unsatisfied.

Ahead of the game, manager Lee Sung-yong (55) met with reporters and said, "I believe today is truly important for both him and the team. He needs to show stable pitching so that he can regain his own confidence."

As a pitcher who will carry the future of the team, we plan to continue giving him opportunities. However, since this is his first game after sufficient rest, he must demonstrate an improved performance. Manager Lee added, "This year, we have anticipated certain outcomes and believe that players like Geon-woo and rookie Min-jun Kim have gained valuable experience. We intend to keep utilizing them." He also noted, "But today's game is particularly difficult. It's a Sunday, and if Geon-woo shows signs of instability in front of home fans, we may need to make a quick substitution. This has been a source of significant concern for me."

Ahead of today's game, captain Oh Tae-gon was removed from the lineup due to hip pain, and Ryu Hyo-seung was called up to replace him. He will be inserted directly into the game. The SSG Landers lineup is set as follows: Jun-jae Jeong (second baseman), Sung-han Park (shortstop), Myeong-jun Go (first baseman), Hyo-seung Ryu (designated hitter), Je-san Jeon (first baseman), Ji-young Lee (catcher), Hyeon-woo Chae (left fielder), Ji-hoon Choi (center fielder), and Geon-woo Im (right fielder). They will face opposing starting pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong.

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*This content was translated by AI.