*This content was translated by AI.
It is no exaggeration to call it a miracle. A pitcher who remained in the high single-digit ERA range during the first half has now posted an ERA in the low double digits in the second half. The protagonist is none other than Lee Ui-ri (24), a left-handed pitcher from the national team representing KIA Tigers.
Lee Ui-ri has appeared in 15 games this season, recording 2 wins, 6 losses, 1 hold, and an ERA of 8.16. Over a total of 43 innings, he allowed 46 hits (including 8 home runs), issued 37 walks, recorded 45 strikeouts, and surrendered 39 earned runs. His WHIP stands at 1.93, and his batting average against is 0.277.
Judging solely by this season's statistics, one might not find it strange to label him as a player outside the team's core rotation. However, recent performance trends tell a different story.
During the first half, Lee Ui-ri made 10 appearances, compiling 1 win, 6 losses, and an ERA of 9.42 over 35⅓ innings. He allowed 41 hits (including 8 home runs), issued 33 walks, recorded 39 strikeouts, surrendered 37 earned runs, and posted a batting average against of 0.295.
Lee Ui-ri underwent Tommy John surgery for elbow ligament reconstruction in June 2024 and managed just 10 appearances last season, finishing with 1 win, 4 losses, and an ERA of 7.94. His struggles continued into this season. As a result, he spent ten days from May 17 to the 26th recovering outside the first-team roster for rest purposes. Although he returned on May 29 against LG Twins, he struggled again, allowing 4 hits (including 1 home run), issuing 4 walks, recording 1 strikeout, and surrendering 6 earned runs over just 2 innings.
KIA manager Lee Beom-ho was well aware of Lee Ui-ri's importance, perhaps more than anyone else. With foreign pitchers James Nail and Adam Orr as the team's one-two punch, alongside 'Tigers' heart' Yang Hyeon-jong, the ideal scenario would have been for Lee Ui-ri to find his form as the fourth starter. Meanwhile, Hwang Dong-ha and Kim Tae-hyung held down the fifth spot. However, Lee Ui-ri ultimately failed to capitalize on the numerous opportunities given to him and was removed from the first-team roster again on May 30.
After that, he headed to Japan. In June, he underwent special training at NEXT BASE ATHLETES LAB in Ichikawa City, Chiba Prefecture, alongside Kim Si-hoon, Kang Hyo-jong, and Hong Min-gyu. After returning to the Futures League with stable performances, he finally made his comeback appearance on the 16th of last month.
Over five games in the second half, his record improved to 1 win, no losses, 1 hold, and an ERA of 2.35. In 7⅔ innings, he allowed just 5 hits, issued 4 walks, recorded 6 strikeouts, surrendered only 2 earned runs, and posted a batting average against of 0.185. It is no exaggeration to say he has completely transformed himself.
In his comeback game against SSG on the 16th, Lee Ui-ri pitched one scoreless inning while allowing just 1 hit. His fastest fastball reached 154 km/h. On the 17th, he threw a perfect 1⅓-inning outing with 3 strikeouts. On the 19th, although he allowed one hit by pitch, he successfully completed another scoreless 1⅓-inning performance with just 1 hit allowed. Then, on the 23rd against Hanwha Eagles, he pitched 3 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 walk while recording 3 strikeouts and surrendering 2 earned runs—the first time he gave up a run since his return. On the 29th against Samsung Lions, he once again threw a scoreless 1-inning outing with just 1 hit allowed.
KIA's starting rotation faced difficulties throughout July. Orr posted an ERA of 13.06 over three appearances, while Shirakawa recorded an ERA of 6.89 in four outings. Nail had an ERA of 6.26 across five games, and Hwang Dong-ha finished with an ERA of 5.84 in three starts.
Manager Lee Beom-ho said upon Lee Ui-ri's return: "(Lee) Ui-ri is regaining his feel on the mound. If our starters struggle, he can be used as a starter. Ultimately, the best option would be for him to start." He added, "It would be a shame otherwise. He is a rare asset capable of throwing 155 km/h pitches, which other teams would find hard to match. Moreover, he has the ability to throw up to 100 pitches without any strain. From the perspective of the team's future, it doesn't seem right to leave such a pitcher unused."
For now, Lee Ui-ri has not started any games since his return and has continued to appear exclusively in relief roles. Meanwhile, KIA also took advantage of the 'heatwave break' to rest its roster, giving Lee Ui-ri time to recharge. As of this season, KIA holds a record of 52 wins, 46 losses, and 2 draws, placing them alone in fifth place in the league. Looking ahead, KIA aims not only for fifth but also for fourth place or higher. Will Lee Ui-ri once again deliver outstanding pitching performances to lead the team toward a major breakthrough? Expectations among KIA fans are growing.
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*This content was translated by AI.
