*This content was translated by AI.
Kiwoom Heroes' 'rookie right-hander' Park Jun-hyeon (19) suffered a nightmare after surrendering a bases-loaded home run to Samsung Lions' 'veteran batter' Choi Hyung-woo (43), but the manager expressed firm trust and decided to send him back onto the starting mound once more.
Park Jun-hyeon made his first start in a home game against Samsung Lions at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 26th, but struggled over two innings with four hits allowed (one home run), five walks, one strikeout, and five earned runs, leading to an early exit and a loss. From the beginning of the game, his fastball control wavered, resulting in numerous walks. In a bases-loaded, no-out situation, he allowed a heartbreaking grand slam to Choi Hyung-woo, whom he had watched since childhood as his 'uncle,' forcing him to realize the high wall of the KBO League as a first-year rookie.
However, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) did not waver in his assessment. Speaking with reporters on site on the 27th, Manager Seol said, "I believe this is a matter of condition adjustment or ups and downs that can occur with young players, part of their growing pains," while defending Park Jun-hyeon.
According to Manager Seol, he held a meeting with Park Jun-hyeon before the game on the 27th and offered warm feedback. "I know he doesn't want to give up hits or walks, but I told him not to 'pitch by running away,'" Seol said, adding that he urged Park to prepare well for the next start and deliver better pitching.
Regarding the cause of his control issues, Seol pointed to 'balance' and 'lack of experience.' "He still hasn't fully mastered command, and as a first-year player, he lacks experience. Since his own balance isn't perfect yet, there is a wide gap between days when he pitches well and days with many walks," Seol explained. "We will consult with the pitching coach to compare video footage of his good outings with yesterday's performance, analyze it, and focus on finding his balance."
The decision to give him another chance in the first division instead of sending him to the minor league was also made clear. Manager Seol stated, "For now, we plan to give him one more start opportunity by next week," and added, "We will monitor his performance and pitch count when he appears next Tuesday before deciding whether to have him start twice a week."
Meanwhile, Kiwoom lined up its starting lineup against Samsung starter Won Tae-in as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Kim Woong-bin (third baseman), Davison (first baseman), Hyu-ra (designated hitter), Kim Keon-hee (catcher), Lee Hyeong-jong (left fielder), Won Seong-jun (center fielder), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), and Choi Jae-young (shortstop). Prior to the game, outfielder Choo Jae-hyun, who had completed reserve force training along with right-handed pitcher Kim Yeon-ju, was added to Kiwoom's first division roster.
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*This content was translated by AI.
