'Hard-hit ball' LG's Lachlan Wells replaced unexpectedly in the third inning... 'Concerns over bullpen overload' hit LG hard [Incheon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

'The manager's concerns have grown even greater. Lachlan Wells (29, LG Twins) was unexpectedly forced off the mound after being hit by a batted ball.

Wells started on the 4th at Incheon SSG Landers Field in the 10th game of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League season between SSG Landers and LG Twins.

He allowed a two-run home run in the first inning, but the offense added one run in the second, and the team held strong through that frame before an incident occurred in the third. With two outs, Park Sung-han's batted ball headed toward Wells, striking his calf and causing him to collapse.

Medical staff rushed to the mound to check Wells' condition. He remained unable to stand for some time, prompting LG to signal toward the bullpen area, indicating a need for a pitching change.

LG's organization stated, "Wells is icing a contusion on his right calf and has no plans for hospital examination."

Struggling through 15 games in the second half with only three wins, eleven losses, and one tie, LG has fallen to third place, six games behind the leader. The team continues to face difficulties due to poor performances from its starting pitchers.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said before the game, "Last week, we were concerned about potential bullpen overload, so we limited (physical) saves." He added, "Starting pitchers must carry the load. In the first half, our best results came when starters pitched at least five innings, followed by relievers who handled two or three innings each before handing over to Son Ju-young. About 80% of our wins followed this pattern. That operational approach is priority number one. The decline since the second half ultimately stems from starters failing to endure. Starting pitchers must remain stable."

This makes the situation even more disappointing. Except for the two-run home run in the first inning, Wells had been steadily guiding the game. Manager Yeom stated, "To return to strong performances, our key focus is on starting pitchers. The issue of poor hitting was the same as in the first half."

After Wells, Park Si-won entered the game but walked Kim Jae-hwan and allowed a defensive infield hit by Jeon Ui-san, loading the bases with two outs. First baseman Austin Dean barely fielded Oh Tae-gon's batted ball just in front of the first-base dugout, allowing the team to catch its breath.

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*This content was translated by AI.