*This content was translated by AI.
Can Samsung Lions' "rookie right-hander" Kim Baek-san (23) secure his third scheduled start without issue? On the eve of this crucial appearance—amidst the team's dramatic first-half comeback to the top spot driven by the "development player miracle"—unfavorable weather and a fierce standings race have emerged as variables.
Samsung manager Park Jin-man revealed on the 26th his starting rotation plan for the upcoming '2026 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League' match against Kiwoom Heroes at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul. In a tightly contested race for first place, this matchup is particularly intriguing. Manager Park stated, "After the game on the 27th, we head to Daegu, and there's another rain forecast. (Kim Baek-san's start) will be prepared with weather conditions in mind."
What transformed Kim Baek-san's baseball career after joining as a development player in 2025 was his road game against NC Dinos on July 2. Stepping in as an emergency starter to replace injured pitcher Jang Chan-hee, he delivered an outstanding performance over 5⅔ innings with just two hits allowed, four walks/strikes, and three strikeouts without allowing a run—setting a KBO League record as the second-ever "development player debut start victory."
Kim Baek-san's stellar outing that day became a massive momentum shift for Samsung's lead battle. Following his performance, Samsung surged with six wins and one loss in the final stretch of the first half, reclaiming the top spot after defeating Daegu LG Twins 6-5 on July 9—the last game of the first half.
Ahead of the July Futures All-Star Game, Kim Baek-san shyly shared his thoughts on contributing to the team's momentum: "I secretly hoped the team would keep winning," adding, "I watched the final first-half game thinking, 'I hope my performance gave the team a buff (a gaming term for ability enhancement).' "
With a 1-1 record and a 3.38 ERA in three first-team appearances this season, Kim Baek-san is scheduled to start on the 28th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park against KT Wiz. He will step in as an emergency starter after left-hander Lee Seung-hyun moved to the bullpen.
However, whether he starts depends entirely on the weather. This three-game weekend series in Daegu is effectively a decisive battle for the regular-season championship. If rain cancels the game on the 28th as forecasted, Kim Baek-san's start will not merely be delayed but skipped entirely without rescheduling.
Manager Park Jin-man explained, "(Kim Baek-san's start) is something heaven has ordained. If it doesn't rain, we'll follow the rotation; but if rain cancels the game, a pitcher suited for the next schedule—likely Fedek—will probably start instead. It will proceed according to natural order."
Among Samsung's current starters, Fedek is the most reliable asset. This season, he has posted a 3-2 record with a 2.61 ERA in six games, firmly establishing himself as the team's ace. From the moment of his acquisition, plans were already made to align his start dates accordingly. In this high-stakes matchup for first place, if rain causes postponement, it appears the team will prioritize deploying their proven ace as originally planned.
Kim Baek-san, quietly waiting for his chance to add another "victory buff" to the team, leaves us wondering whether heaven will grant him a third start on the first-team mound.
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*This content was translated by AI.
