LG Wells bullpen demotion: bold move! "Judged to be of no help to either the team or the player" — manager reveals the reason directly

*This content was translated by AI.

The LG Twins have made a bold move to demote foreign pitcher Lachlan Wells (29), who has shown extreme inconsistency in the starting rotation, from the starting lineup and shift him to the bullpen. Yeom Kyung-yeop (58), manager of the LG Twins, personally explained the reasoning behind this decision.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop officially announced that Wells would be removed from the starting rotation during a press meeting ahead of the away game against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 11th.

Lachlan Wells, originally from Australia, joined LG under the newly introduced Asia quota system this season. Having played for Kiwoom Heroes last season, he recorded 5 wins and 3 losses with a 2.82 ERA in 15 starts during the first half of this season, effectively filling gaps in the starting rotation and serving as a key pillar.

However, the situation changed dramatically in the second half. In four starts during the second half, Wells went winless with two losses and an ERA of 10.26, falling into severe instability. In his last appearance on the 4th against Incheon SSG Landers, he allowed two hits (including one home run), issued one walk, recorded three strikeouts, and gave up two runs over 2⅔ innings before being pulled early from the mound.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop delivered a firm yet cold assessment regarding Wells' removal from the rotation. "The game on the 4th was the final test," he stated, adding that "the player himself has already been notified."

Continuing, Manager Yeom said, "When our starting rotation faced gaps in the first half, Wells fulfilled his role sufficiently." While acknowledging his contributions during the first half, he added, "Even if we were to give him more chances as a starter moving forward, the entire coaching staff and the team analysis unit have concluded that it would not significantly benefit either the team or the player himself. Wells will now take on a long relief role in the bullpen."

LG plans to fill Wells' vacancy with right-handed rookie pitcher Park Si-won (20). On the 4th against SSG, after Wells was pulled early, Park entered as the second pitcher and held the mound for four innings, allowing three hits, two walks, recording three strikeouts, and giving up three runs. Despite allowing runs, he shut out the first three innings (from the 4th to the 6th), demonstrating his potential as a starter.

Regarding Park Si-won, Manager Yeom stated, "We have been continuously testing his balance and the pitch repertoire required for starting pitchers. After the game on the 4th, we conveyed a message to the player himself that he would join the starting rotation."

With the restructuring into a five-starter lineup featuring Carlos KARA-sco, Im Chan-kyu, Tolhurst, Song Seung-gi, and Park Si-won, LG is expected to support them through long relief. Players including Wells and Lee Jung-yong are anticipated to handle multi-inning appearances. Additionally, if Jang Hyun-sik returns from injury, he will further bolster the bullpen.

Throughout this season, Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop has tirelessly sought alternatives to fill gaps in the starting rotation. This decision appears aimed at stabilizing the mound and turning around the team's momentum in the second half. It remains highly intriguing whether Wells' position change and rookie Park Si-won's integration into the starting lineup will serve as a pivotal turnaround card for LG's race for second-half standings.

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*This content was translated by AI.