Lee Seung-hyun completes his mission! Park Jin-man also smiles: "First, return to the bullpen → then make another start around the end of September"

*This content was translated by AI.

Left-handed pitcher Lee Seung-hyun (24), who effectively fulfilled his role as a targeted starting pitcher, is scheduled to return to the bullpen to bolster the team's lead, then rejoin the starting rotation at the end of September.

Samsung manager Park Jin-man praised Lee Seung-hyun's strong performance on the 5th ahead of the home game against LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, on the 6th. "He pitched aggressively," Park said. "His breaking ball control was excellent, with only one or two exceptions." He added, "By adjusting his pitching form, he has gained stability and improved his command while maintaining an average velocity in the mid-140s km/h range, achieving much better balance."

Regarding Lee Seung-hyun's future usage plan, Park stated, "If he performs like yesterday, he should definitely start again." However, he clarified, "For now, he will return to the bullpen. Given the schedule, we'll need another starter around the end of September. Until then, he will be used in relief while we monitor his physical condition and readiness, with plans to bring him back as a starter at the right time in late September."

On the 5th, Lee Seung-hyun started against LG Twins at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, pitching 5 innings on 82 pitches. He allowed 4 hits, issued 1 walk, recorded 5 strikeouts, and kept the scoreless line intact. Even amidst a tense pitcher's duel with opposing foreign starter Tolhurst, who pitched 6 scoreless innings, Lee delivered a commanding performance that firmly held the mound without yielding any momentum.

Lee Seung-hyun's strong start was particularly significant. On April 8 in Gwangju against KIA, he had previously struggled over 2⅔ innings, allowing 11 hits and 8 walks, leading to an unusual reprimand from manager Park Jin-man for lacking the responsibility expected of a starting pitcher. He was subsequently demoted to the minor league.

Sharpening his resolve, Lee returned to the first division in July and primarily worked as a long reliever. With Samsung's coaching staff placing their trust in him—citing his career batting average against (0.226) and LG's historically strong performance against him—he seized the opportunity as a "targeted starter." Mixing a two-seam fastball clocking up to 146 km/h with curveballs and sliders, he effectively neutralized LG's left-handed lineup and announced his complete revival.

Although he did not secure the win due to bullpen struggles, Samsung maintained a tight game thanks to Lee's strong outing. They tied the score in the top of the seventh inning and ultimately secured a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory in 11 innings, reclaiming sole possession of first place.

Having overcome past hardships and proven once again that he is LG's nemesis with his peak pitching performance, Lee Seung-hyun has firmly established himself as a core asset on the mound by seamlessly transitioning between starting and relief roles. He is now becoming Samsung's reliable wing as the season nears its climax, supporting both the race for first place and their postseason ambitions.

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*This content was translated by AI.