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Go Woo-seok (28, Minnesota Twins), who once served as one of the KBO League's top closers, has been notified of a demotion to the minor leagues just four games after his MLB debut. While he finally stepped onto the dream stage of Major League Baseball, reality appears far from easy. At the same time, another team is emerging as a potential destination: his former club, LG Twins. Recently, LG has been struggling due to poor performance from its starting rotation. If Go Woo-seok were to return to LG and take over the closer role, while current closer Son Ju-young switched back to the starting rotation, it would indeed be the best-case scenario.
On the 21st (Korean time), in an away game against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, Go Woo-seok made his fourth relief appearance of the season in the bottom of the 7th inning as the team trailed 3-10. He pitched one inning, allowing four hits (including one home run), striking out two batters, and surrendering three earned runs.
Go allowed a solo home run to leadoff batter Patrick Bailey, then gave up an opposite-field double to subsequent pitcher Piti Halpin in a key at-bat. He also surrendered an outfield double to Kyle Manzardo to left field, putting himself in a no-out, second-and-third base situation. After one out, he allowed a two-run double to Chase DeLauter, increasing his run total to three. He then retired the next two batters without allowing further runs.
After today's game, Go Woo-seok's season stats stand at four appearances over four innings, eight hits allowed (two home runs), two walks, five strikeouts, and four earned runs, resulting in an ERA of 9.00.
Shortly after the game ended, Go received unfavorable news: he was notified of a demotion to the minor leagues. According to Dan Hayes, a reporter for the U.S. sports outlet The Athletic, Minnesota called up Kendry Rojas on the 22nd and removed Go from the major league roster.
Go Woo-seok, who previously served as the closer for the KBO League's LG Twins, signed with the San Diego Padres after the 2023 season and moved to the United States. Since then, he has faced numerous setbacks, including being released by the Miami Marlins and Detroit Tigers while waiting for opportunities or facing demotions to the minor leagues. In April, despite receiving a love call from his former club LG, Go chose to remain in the U.S., eventually joining the Minnesota Twins via a cash trade.
Initially, there were rumors that Go might return to LG if his time in the minors extended, but he ultimately decided to stay. At the time, Go released a statement saying, "I wasn't expecting much, but I'm deeply grateful for all the support and expectations you've shown me. I felt guilty for turning down LG's offer in May and not supporting the team during its difficult times. I want to apologize once again to the LG Twins organization and all fans."
He added, "I also want to express my deepest gratitude and apologies to my wife. Even while pregnant with our second child, she always told me everything was fine while taking care of our son alone. It seems this luck has come to me because of her. Now that I'm back at the starting line, I will do my best to show you all the effort you've supported."
Then, on the 8th, Go finally made it onto the 26th-man roster. It was reported that the trade involving Minnesota acquiring Go from the Detroit Tigers included a major league call-up clause. Dan Hayes, The Athletic's Minnesota beat reporter, stated, "Go has an assignment clause in his contract and must now be added to the Twins' roster."
Two days later, on the 10th, he made his emotional MLB debut against the Cleveland Guardians. His debut performance included one inning, one hit allowed (a home run), one strikeout, and one earned run. On the 12th, he made his second MLB appearance against the Los Angeles Angels, pitching a scoreless inning to secure his first hold. Then on the 20th, in relief during the bottom of the 8th with his team trailing 1-10, he pitched one inning, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out two batters, all without surrendering a run. Although he nearly faced a bases-loaded situation, he prevented any runs from scoring, demonstrating excellent relief capabilities. However, on the 21st, he struggled again and ultimately could not avoid the demotion notice to the minors.
Although his time in the majors was brief, Go Woo-seok has achieved his dream. For now, he is likely to pitch at the Triple-A level while hoping for another call-up opportunity. This season, Go also performed well in Triple-A, appearing in 19 games with a record of three wins and one loss, an ERA of 2.60, and 32 strikeouts over 27⅔ innings. Of course, returning to LG remains an option.
Coincidentally, LG has recently fallen into a painful slump with six consecutive losses. They have yet to secure a single win in the second half of the season. Especially since Son Ju-young was moved to closer early in the season, the team has struggled to build a stable starting rotation. Wells has recorded an ERA of 3.30, Lim Chan-kyu 4.08, Tolhurst 4.21, and Song Seung-gi 4.83. Wells' recent 10-game ERA has reached 4.99. To make matters worse, the team also decided to release foreign pitcher Axel Rios on the 21st (the day before). For LG, Go Woo-seok's early return would be the best-case scenario. Since Go entered the U.S. market through the posting system, he must sign a contract with his original club, LG, if he returns to the KBO League. If Go returns, Son Ju-young could rejoin the starting rotation and help stabilize the team.
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