*This content was translated by AI.
Despite recent instability in their late-inning defense, Kiwoom Heroes has shown unwavering trust in veteran closer Won Jong-hyun (39). Although he has allowed runs in three consecutive games and has been struggling sharply since August, the team remains committed to relying on him.
Ahead of a home game against KIA Tigers at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, on the 21st, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) reflected on a painful comeback loss during their previous road trip in Busan and addressed Won Jong-hyun's condition. Manager Seol stated regarding Won Jong-hyun, "There is no injury or physical abnormality. He pitched a full game for the first time in a while, throwing near 150 km/h, and after facing many difficult situations, it seems he accumulated both physical and mental fatigue."
He continued, "I spoke with Won Jong-hyun directly today, and he said his condition is fine and that he rested well, so he's okay. I feel fortunate." He added, "When a save situation arises, Won Jong-hyun will continue as the closer for the time being. Yuto will remain in the setup role in the 7th or 8th inning, supporting behind him, maintaining our existing bullpen strategy." He drew a clear line against any possibility of changing roles.
Won Jong-hyun has performed adequately in Kiwoom's winning lineup this season. With 45 games played, he holds 1 win, 4 losses, 7 saves, and 7 holds with an ERA of 4.46, but he has fallen into a slump since August. In six games during August, his ERA reached 18.00, showing even worse performance. He recorded no wins, one loss, one save, and one hold. His season ERA rose from 2.97 to 4.46.
The team also explained the background for simultaneously replacing starting pitcher Park Jun-hyun and starting catcher Kim Geon-hee after five innings during the previous day's (20th) game against Lotte Giants. "Park Jun-hyun allowed runs repeatedly in the 6th inning, so we changed the battery pairing. This was also done to manage Kim Geon-hee's physical condition," he stated. Additionally, he announced that Jeon Jun-pyo will start twice a week starting from the KIA game on the 23rd.
Regarding the return of foreign hitter Hiu-ra, a key figure in the lineup, Seol said, "It will be difficult for him to play until this week; we plan to recheck his condition around Monday or Tuesday." He added, "While there are concerns about the vacancy at the fourth spot in the batting order, overall hitting performance has improved since the second half of the season began."
Meanwhile, Kiwoom set its starting lineup against KIA's left-handed starter Yang Hyeon-jong as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Choo Jae-hyun (center fielder), Davison (first baseman), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Kim Woong-bin (designated hitter), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Lee Hyung-jong (left fielder), Kwon Hyeok-bin (shortstop), and Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman). Starting pitcher Ha Young-min was selected.
At the same time, infielder Oh Seon-jin and left-handed pitcher Park Jeong-hoon were removed from the first-team roster, while left-handed pitcher Yoon Seok-won and infielder Eo Jun-seo were added.
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*This content was translated by AI.
