'A full' 233 relief appearances → Finally makes first start! '8kg weight loss' national team bullpen pitcher's radical transformation

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While making a total of 233 appearances on the first division stage, he has never once taken the mound to start a game. Lee Run (22, SSG Landers), a 'national team bullpen pitcher' who always extinguished fires in crucial moments or protected the late innings, is finally stepping onto the test field for his debut as a starting pitcher. This is his radical transformation after losing a full 8kg while preparing intensely in the minor league.

SSG manager Lee Sung-yong met with reporters on the 2nd ahead of an away game against Kiwoom Heroes held at Gocheok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, and explained Lee Run's physical condition and specific pitching plan after he was designated as the starting pitcher for the 3rd.

Lee Run debuted on the first division stage during the 2023 season and later joined the national team preparing for the 2025 World Baseball Classic (WBC) in November 2025, establishing himself as a top-tier power bullpen pitcher in the league. To date, he has handled all 233 of his first division games exclusively as a relief pitcher. In particular, he collected a full 33 holds in the previous season, rising to become one of the league's elite bullpen pitchers. Now, in his 234th career game, he will throw the ball for the first time in his life wearing the title of starting pitcher.

This transition to starting is not a temporary deployment as a mere substitute. It was backed by Lee Run's own strong determination and bone-breaking effort. In fact, Lee Run has been somewhat underperforming this season. As he approaches his scheduled start on the 3rd, his record stands at 45 games, 5 wins, 3 losses, 7 holds, with an ERA of 7.08, which is not particularly good. He began preparing for a transition to starting pitcher after being removed from the first division roster on August 1. There were also explanations that this move was part of SSG's preparations for the 2027 season, as their chances for the postseason this season have become virtually impossible.

Manager Lee Sung-yong commented on Lee Run's physical condition: "It seems he has lost about 8kg. I asked the training staff to check his weight and body fat percentage for both last season and this season, and before he was sent down to the minor league this year, he was in a state of being 4-5kg heavier than in the 2025 season." He continued, "I believe that when a player is not performing well, physical reasons are the biggest factor. However, after spending about a month in the minor league, it seems he has returned to the mound having perfectly adjusted his body condition back to last year's peak level."

The manager further stated, "He prepared very intensely with pitching coach Bae Young-soo in the minor leagues. He had such a strong desire for the starting role, and when given opportunities and motivation to compete for it, he has thoroughly built up his own body on his own accord," highly evaluating Lee Run's efforts.

A detailed blueprint for Lee Run's first professional start has also been finalized. As this is his first appearance, his pitch count will be limited to around 90 pitches rather than the usual 100. Regarding Lee Run's pitching plan on the 3rd, Manager Lee said, "Even if he wavers a bit early or gives up some runs, we intend to give him time and watch how he performs. This is not meant to be a one-time thing; we plan to give him opportunities to appear in about four more games to evaluate his progress." He added, "If he shows good form, this could lead into the closing camp and next year's spring training, allowing him to enter serious competition for a starting rotation spot," indicating that the possibility of entering the long-term starting rotation is being explored.

SSG, which has faced difficulties in its starting rotation due to the departure of 'left-handed ace' Kim Kwang-hyun this season, has declared a plan to build a '10-starting pitcher depth' that covers not only the 6-7 starters for next year's first division but also extends to the Futures League team. In this context, Lee Run's establishment as a starter is a positive scenario in many ways. It remains quite intriguing to see what new drama 'national team bullpen' Lee Run, who returned with a fierce spirit after losing 8kg, will write on his first first division starting mound after 234 games.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original