*This content was translated by AI.
Welcome news began to reach the shaky LG Twins' pitching staff. Kim Yun-sik (26) has returned, and Jang Hyun-sik's (31) comeback is imminent.
LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) reviewed Carlos Kara's recent performance ahead of the the 25th game against the NC Dinos at Jamsil Stadium. On the 23rd, during a match against the Hanwha Eagles in Daejeon, Kara pitched six innings, allowing five hits, three hit-by-pitches, striking out three batters, and surrendering three runs (two earned), leading LG to a 12-3 victory.
Although his four-seam fastball topped out at just 93 mph (150 km/h), he successfully executed a quality start—defined as six or more innings with two or fewer earned runs—through experienced pitching, throwing 90 pitches.
Manager Yeom stated, "Our system is to change pitchers once they exceed 90 pitches. If foreign pitchers like Kara or Tolhurst deliver strong performances up to 90 pitches, we might consider letting them throw about 15 more."
The current state of the LG bullpen cannot be ignored. Manager Yeom explained, "If a starter is sent out prematurely in the next inning and allows runners on base, there are no relievers capable of containing them. If a starter has already thrown over 100 pitches, we can't avoid making a change. It's better to bring in the next pitcher from the start of a new inning."
Indeed, after Kara completed the sixth inning, pitchers John Kennedy, Kim Young-woo, and Son Ju-young each held their respective innings scoreless.
Post-game remarks by Kara also drew attention. Kara said, "After the fifth inning, the coach asked me if I could go one more inning unconditionally, and I agreed. Even after the sixth, I told him I'd continue another inning, but the pitching coach suggested it might be good to finish while things were going well, so I concluded my outing." He added, "My current condition is fine. Personally, I believe a starter should pitch at least seven innings, and I prepare accordingly."
Earlier, on the 20th and 21st, starting pitchers collapsed early, leading LG to concede 15 runs in two consecutive games for the first time in club history—a situation that may have spurred the veteran foreign pitcher's sense of responsibility. Manager Yeom smiled wryly, saying, "That might be part of it too. We used many relievers in previous games."
For LG, regaining stability in the bullpen is urgent. Compounding matters, right-handed pitcher Kim Young-woo, known for his 98 mph (157 km/h) fastball, will be absent for approximately two weeks starting September 15 due to commitments with the Asian Games national team.
The welcome news is that returning resources are gradually becoming available. First, Kim Yun-sik, a first-round left-handed pitcher who contributed to LG's 2023 championship title, has rejoined the first division squad.
Kim Yun-sik graduated from Gwangju Jinheung High School and was selected by LG as the third overall pick in the second round of the 2020 KBO Rookie Draft. In 2023, he recorded six wins, four losses, and a 4.22 ERA in 17 games, contributing to LG's first championship in 29 years.
After fulfilling his military obligation, he returned to the first division in May this year, but overcoming a two-year competitive gap proved difficult. In 27 games, he posted one loss with five holds and a 4.97 ERA, issuing 24 walks or hit-by-pitches (21 walks and three hit-by-pitches) over 29 innings, struggling with control and being sent to the minor league twice.
Nevertheless, this time he had sufficient time for preparation. Manager Yeom expressed expectations: "Kim Yun-sik was given ample time to mentally regroup before returning, so we will use him immediately. We hope he can contribute strength."
If Kim Yun-sik is a card that can bolster the bullpen right away, waiting a bit longer will bring back resources capable of shouldering starting duties and long innings: Jang Hyun-sik.
Jang Hyun-sik, who was sidelined last month due to a strain in his right elbow's flexor muscles, confirmed his potential as a long reliever this year before transitioning to a starter role. In five games, he posted two wins, one loss, and a 3.80 ERA, showing stable performance. This turnaround is notable considering that through May, he struggled with a 5.85 ERA in 21 relief appearances, even spending time in the minor league.
Manager Yeom stated, "Jang Hyun-sik is already throwing again. Kim Jin-seong will take a bit longer. Everyone should be back by early October." He added, "Hyun-sik could return within about two weeks at the earliest."
LG's bullpen situation is far from easy, making it crucial to hope starters can pitch even one inning more. Whether Kim Yun-sik and Jang Hyun-sik can alleviate some of the burden on 39-year-old Kara, who volunteered for "one more inning," has become a key variable in managing the mound for the remainder of the season.
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*This content was translated by AI.
