"Hatch's shoulder is uncomfortable": Why did the Japanese pitcher, who allowed 7 runs in his worst outing, pitch one more inning? ERA 6.02 foreign investor gets rest this week [Jamsil Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

SSG Landers Japanese pitcher Shota Takeda (33) insisted on pitching one more inning even after being pulled early, and there was a reason: another foreign pitcher, Thomas Hatch (32), is injured.

SSG manager Lee Sung-yong said ahead of the visiting game against LG Twins at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium on the 14th for the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season, "Hatch reported shoulder discomfort before yesterday's (13th) game started, so we changed the starting pitcher to Min-joon Choi."

The reason Takeda pitched in the fifth inning despite collapsing early with seven runs allowed through four innings was also due to Hatch's injury. After allowing three runs in the third, Takeda surrendered three home runs in the fourth alone, putting the score at 0-7. However, he returned to the mound in the fifth, allowing two more runs, finishing with five innings (94 pitches), 10 hits allowed (four home runs), one walk, three strikeouts, and nine total runs allowed.

Originally, Min-joon Choi's role was to serve as a bulk reliever behind Takeda. But due to Hatch's injury news, he was moved to the starting rotation on the 14th and rested fully on the 13th. Manager Lee explained, "This also explains why we couldn't easily adjust even after Takeda pitched like that yesterday. We had planned to put Min-joon Choi behind Takeda all along, but Hatch's sudden injury forced him into a spot start."

He added, "It's not a major injury, so we'll monitor his condition today and tomorrow. If he shows no issues during bullpen sessions on Sunday, he is scheduled to return around next Thursday as originally planned."

After the heatwave break ended on the 11th, SSG announced its starting rotation: Pedro Avila, Min-joon Kim, Shota Takeda, Thomas Hatch, and Geon-woo Kim. Avila and Min-joon Kim led their team to victory with quality starts (six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs), but the situation behind them remains difficult. Not only is Takeda struggling, but Hatch has also been ineffective in eight games with a 2-4 record and an ERA of 6.02.

Manager Lee stated, "We are currently training several pitchers in the minor league for starting roles. With autumn playoffs now distant, there are questions about whether we should keep using Takeda, and we are considering various options. Takeda has done his best so far. His results haven't matched expectations, so we are exploring multiple solutions. If players preparing in the Futures League are ready to join the first division, we will naturally promote them."

On this day, SSG lined up with Jun-jae Jung (second baseman), Sang-hyun Ahn (third baseman), Sung-han Park (shortstop), Jae-hwan Kim (designated hitter), Ui-san Jeon (first baseman), Ji-hoon Choi (center fielder), Yu-seom Han (right fielder), Hyung-woo Jo (catcher), and Geun-woo Im (left fielder). Min-joon Choi was the starting pitcher.

LG countered with Hae-min Park (center fielder), Chan-ui Song (left fielder), Austin Dean (first baseman), Jeong-bin Moon (designated hitter), Bo-kyung Moon (third baseman), Ji-hwan Oh (shortstop), Chang-gi Hong (right fielder), Ju-heon Lee (catcher), and Min-jae Shin (second baseman). Seung-gi Song was the starting pitcher.

Sung-han Park, who started at leadoff, had his spot in the lineup dropped to third in the heart of the order. Manager Lee candidly noted, "The top four batters are fine, but we feel blocked from fifth to seventh. Madris is struggling, and Yu-seom Han or Tae-gon Oh need to find their rhythm, but they haven't yet."

He continued, "Jae-hwan Kim has been finding it slightly difficult at the bottom of the order, so we placed Sang-hyun Ahn in the second spot. Sung-han Park also has clutch ability, so we tried to put hitters who can drive in runs from scoring position into key spots. If Ui-san Jeon bats fifth, he forces the opponent to face Jae-hwan Kim at fourth — a matchup they must accept. Ji-hoon Choi is gradually improving too. The most important thing is for Yu-seom Han and Madris to find their form."

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*This content was translated by AI.