"I was so nervous I even forgot my uniform." Wearing someone else's jersey, he pitched 5⅔ innings without allowing a hit and threw the most innings of his season, yet he remained frustrated. "I'll definitely secure a quality start next time."

*This content was translated by AI.

"It's frustrating."

Choi Min-joon (27) of SSG Landers delivered a surprise start and showed strong regret over his exceptional pitching performance.

On the 14th, Choi started for SSG in their road game against LG Twins at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium during the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season. He pitched 5⅔ innings, allowing two hits and one walk while striking out three batters, giving up two earned runs to lead SSG to a 5-3 victory.

He maintained a no-hit performance through five innings, surrendering only one walk. Choi threw a total of 83 pitches, including 32 fastballs, 15 cutters, 14 curveballs, 9 forkballs, 8 sliders, and 5 two-seam fastballs. After issuing a walk to Park Hae-min in the bottom of the first inning, he retired the next 16 batters consecutively.

The only blemish came in the sixth inning. Choi found himself in a bases-loaded, two-out crisis after Shin Min-jae hit a double down the right-field line and Park Hae-min grounded out. Song Chan-ui then delivered a large two-run double to left-center field, scoring one run. Choi was subsequently replaced by Kim Min, who allowed Austin Dean's RBI single, causing Choi to lose his eligibility for the win.

Nevertheless, he logged the most innings of his season so far, and considering his sudden appearance on the mound, it was an optimal result. Choi took the mound as a replacement for Thomas Hatch (who had complained of shoulder pain on the 13th). So disoriented was he that he failed to bring his own uniform, instead wearing Hatch's No. 55 jersey.

After the game, Choi told reporters, "I've been extremely nervous since hearing the news. I was so focused on LG players that I forgot my uniform. Hatch kindly lent me his, and I told him I'd throw well by absorbing his good energy, and it seems to have worked out." He smiled while speaking.

Had he recorded just one more out, Choi could have achieved a quality start (six or more innings with three or fewer earned runs) for the first time since his seven-inning scoreless outing against LG on October 5, 2021 — five years later. This is precisely what Choi deeply regrets.

He reflected, "I didn't realize I was pitching a no-hitter while on the mound. The scoreboard only showed one walk. My only thought was 'How should I pitch next time?' Even when the no-hit bid broke, I simply thought, 'They got a hit,' and focused solely on the next batter."

He continued, "I just kept thinking, 'Please hold them off, just get through the sixth inning,' but ultimately failed. (When told that he had surpassed 5⅓ innings and logged his most of the season) I've improved in one way." Smiling, he added, "Even with runners on base, the manager trusted me and didn't pull me out. I'm grateful for that. What happened is behind us now; next time, I'll make sure not to let it happen again."

Although SSG has finally secured a reliable one-two punch with Pedro Avila and Kim Min-joon, the team still faces significant concerns regarding its starting rotation. Foreign pitcher Hatch has posted a 2-4 record with a 6.02 ERA in eight appearances, while Shota Takeda holds a 2-9 record with a 7.42 ERA in 19 games. As a result, starting pitchers from the Futures League are currently on standby.

In this context, if Choi Min-joon can secure one of the remaining rotation spots for the rest of the season, it would be ideal. This year, Choi has alternated between relief and starting roles, appearing in 22 games with a 1-5 record and a 5.09 ERA.

Choi stated, "My goal remains to be a starting pitcher. I continue to believe that if I increase my velocity and deliver overpowering pitching, I can pitch through six innings. Whenever I get another start opportunity, I will aim for and prepare for a quality start."

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*This content was translated by AI.