'Study in Japan' Kim Seo-hyun and 'Shoulder Pain' Jung Woo-ju, both recorded scoreless outings... "Will watch for one or two more games" watched over them

*This content was translated by AI.

Last year, the 1st-round duo Kim Seo-hyun (22) and Jung Woo-ju (20), who firmly guarded the back door of the Hanwha Eagles, both recorded scoreless outings in the Futures League. Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon (68) indicated that he would decide on their call-up after watching them pitch for one or two more games.

Manager Kim told reporters ahead of the away game against the Doosan Bears at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 12th, "After seeing Jung Woo-ju and Kim Seo-hyun pitch today, I plan to let them throw a couple more times before reconsidering their call-up status."

Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-ju are pitchers who donned Hanwha uniforms as the first and second overall picks in the 2023 and 2025 rookie drafts, respectively. Both had attracted interest from professional teams since high school and were highly anticipated, with signing bonuses of 500 million won.

Kim Seo-hyun found his footing only midway through his second season and recorded 33 saves last year, ranking second in that category.

However, the instability that began toward the end of last season carried over into this year. Particularly struggling with control, he shuttled between the first and minor leagues and eventually went to Japan for training last month. The sole reason for visiting Next Base Athletics Lab, a trend currently gaining traction in professional baseball, was to improve his control.

Nevertheless, after returning, he allowed five walks in two games, leaving room for improvement. Manager Kim pointed out the previous day, "Seo-hyun's performance wasn't that good after coming back from Japan."

Jung Woo-ju also experienced severe ups and downs in his second season. Excluded from the first-team roster for the first time on the 8th of last month, he did not appear in any Futures League games due to discomfort in his shoulder. He focused on recovering his physical condition while with the rehabilitation team.

On this day, both took the mound. Kim Seo-hyun appeared in the bottom of the sixth inning when both teams were tied 5-5. He started with a disadvantageous count of 2 balls and 0 strikes against Cha Seung-jun but secured an out by inducing a first baseman's grounder on the third pitch, after which he seemed to regain confidence and pitched boldly. He recorded a swinging strikeout against Lee Hae-seung on the fourth pitch.

It was not a perfect 100-point performance. He also allowed a straight fastball walk against Yang Woo-hyun today. Fortunately, his control issues did not persist. He induced a second baseman's grounder off Kim Jae-sung on the first pitch and ended the inning without allowing any runs.

Of the 12th pitches thrown today, eight were fastballs, representing the highest proportion. His top velocity was 150 km/h, which differed from his career best. While he seemed to focus more on control than throwing hard, the count of strikes and balls ended at 6-6, showing some room for improvement in control. He also checked his slider and changeup but pitched almost exclusively with fastballs.

From the eighth inning, when Hanwha trailed 5-6, Jung Woo-ju took the mound. His performance was not entirely satisfactory. After retiring the first batter, Jo Min-seong, on a first baseman's fly ball, Jung Woo-ju walked Kim Jae-sang but retired Lee Hae-seung with a third baseman's pop fly. However, he allowed a right-field single to Yang Woo-hyun; the runner, Kim Jae-sang, was tagged out at home plate, allowing him to finish the inning without allowing any runs.

Of Jung Woo-ju's 17 pitches today, 10 were strikes, and his top fastball velocity reached 150 km/h. He mixed sliders, forkballs, and curveballs evenly.

Manager Kim Kyung-moon watched their pitching. While it was not a perfect performance, Manager Kim said, "It was okay. But they need to throw a bit more." He added, "I'm thinking of letting them pitch one or two more games, and if there are no physical issues afterward, I will consult with the pitching coach about adjusting the roster."

Hanwha's bullpen ERA in the second half stands at 6.52, ranking ninth. Strengthening the bullpen is essential for Hanwha to maintain its hopes of reaching the playoffs. However, no clear turnaround card has emerged yet. The most ideal and effective scenario would be for Kim Seo-hyun and Jung Woo-ju to regain their form and rejoin the first team. With Manager Kim Kyung-moon closely monitoring the situation, the results of the upcoming one or two Futures League games are expected to determine whether they will be called up.

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*This content was translated by AI.