'Takeda is being prepared for the bullpen': Lee Yoon and Lee Jun-ki gain starting opportunities, SSG faces remaining season challenges [Incheon Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Fall baseball has effectively slipped away. SSG Landers is now looking toward next year and has begun searching for a new starting pitcher.

On the 25th, ahead of their home game against Hanwha Eagles at Incheon SSG Landers Field in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League, SSG registered pitchers Lee Jun-ki (24) and infielder Kim Joseph (19), outfielder Kim Jeong-min (22), and catcher Shin Beom-soo (28) to its first-division roster.

Lee Jun-ki, in particular, has drawn attention. After joining Hanwha as a second-round pick in the seventh round of the 2021 rookie draft, Lee began his professional career again with SSG this year.

Although he appeared in only two games at the first division level, Lee consistently started in the Futures League, pitching 75⅓ innings across 16 games and recording a 3-5 win-loss record with an ERA of 2.75.

On the 20th, SSG removed Japanese pitcher Shota Takeda from its first-division roster. A pitcher who had previously played in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), Takeda appeared in 20 games but posted a dismal 2-10 record with an ERA of 7.86.

SSG ultimately decided to lay the groundwork for next year. For now, Lee Jun-ki will be given the first opportunity. Manager Lee stated, "We are protecting the rotation of players such as Kim Min-jun and Choi Min-jun, and he is scheduled to pitch in the game against KIA on the 28th."

Explaining that Lee was called up early to get a feel for the first-division atmosphere and adapt, Manager Lee said, "We received reports that he performed well in the minor league. Even if used as a replacement for Takeda, he must have competitiveness. We gave him time because he needed to show he could contribute at some level after being promoted. We heard both Jun-ki and (Baek) Seung-geon had slightly improved their condition, so we decided it was time to make a move." He added, "We heard Jun-ki is in the best condition."

However, SSG cannot appear as though they have given up on the season. Manager Lee remarked, "If a player lacks competitiveness entirely and is still promoted and used, I believe that would be disrespectful to the fans. That is one of the reasons I have been deeply concerned." Therefore, Lee Jun-ki, who stood out most in the minor league, was given priority for an opportunity.

Lee Yoon (22), who last year served as a key member of SSG's formidable bullpen, is also undergoing training as a starter. Manager Lee said, "He performed well during the Ulsan game (4⅓ innings scoreless). If he throws around 75 to 80 pitches this week and shows improvement, we will consider promoting him for the Kiwoom game."

Having experienced ups and downs in the bullpen this season, Lee is expected to be utilized as a starter next year. Manager Lee expressed his expectations, stating, "Since he will have to compete for a starting spot anyway, rather than simply assigning him one position, we will let him compete for it. He has lost more than 5 kilograms. Reports say his expression has brightened and his physical condition has improved."

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*This content was translated by AI.