'Taiwan's huge wildcard' Wang Yencheng, starting against South Korea after '5 days of rest'? Plans to pitch one more game before joining... possibility of being excluded from the first match [Daejeon on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Wang Yencheng (25), a lucky pitcher for the Hanwha Eagles and set to serve as the ace of the Taiwan national baseball team, will take the mound in the game against LG Twins. All eyes are on whether he can overcome his recent slump.

Wang Yencheng is scheduled to start in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against LG at Daejeon Hanwha Life Park on the 9th.

Having joined Hanwha as an Asia quota pitcher ahead of this season, Wang Yencheng has not only emerged as the league's top Asia quota pitcher but also secured a spot among Hanwha's win leaders with 10 victories.

Wang Yencheng, who has consistently held his place in the rotation without missing any starts, fell ill with pneumonia around mid-last month and was even hospitalized. After five days of rest, he returned to the mound on the 3rd against KT Wiz but struggled over 3⅓ innings, allowing six hits, five walks, and five earned runs, leaving him dejected. His condition appeared far from optimal.

Wang Yencheng, who expressed frustration after being pulled before completing the fourth inning, is expected to bounce back today. Manager Kim Kyung-moon said, "I think he will be in better shape than that day, and I hope he pitches well. He needs to maintain a positive mindset. We'd like him to secure a win before leaving."

Wang Yencheng has appeared in 24 games this season with a record of 10 wins and 5 losses, posting an ERA of 3.86. Against LG, he has started two games, recording one win and one loss with an ERA of 4.76. In their first matchup on April 22, he pitched five innings allowing three earned runs; in the game on the 9th, he threw 6⅓ innings and allowed three earned runs.

All eyes in the baseball world are focused on Wang Yencheng's appearance. He is no longer just a Hanwha pitcher but is expected to play the ace role for Taiwan, South Korea's rival at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

With ace Kuei Lun-yang sidelined due to injury, Wang Yencheng's burden has grown even heavier. Noh Si-hwan and Moon Hyun-bin from Hanwha will also join the national team for the Asian Games, meaning today's teammates may become tomorrow's rivals. Having missed league games, they must absolutely secure a gold medal tied to military service benefits.

The situation demands full commitment to the first match between South Korea and Taiwan on the 21st. However, there is welcome news for the national team. Manager Kim Kyung-moon stated, "I understand he will pitch one more time. While I'm still discussing details with the club, according to Director Son Hyuk, there may be another opportunity."

If Wang Yencheng pitches normally today, it is highly likely he will start again in Hanwha's home game against KT on the 15th. In that case, a major variable would arise regarding his potential start against South Korea. While a five-day rest period would theoretically allow him to start against South Korea, factors such as air travel and local adaptation may make it difficult for him to properly execute his routine after starting. Alternatively, he might be excluded from starting the game against South Korea.

It is reported that Ryu Ji-hyun, a coach of the Korean national baseball team, will visit today. Manager Kim Kyung-moon smiled and said, "There should be plenty of data on his previous performances," adding meaningfully, "Since (Taiwan's) ace is injured, Wang Yencheng will likely play an important role. Our position is somewhat delicate."

As a Hanwha player, there may be conflicting feelings between wanting to cheer for him and hoping South Korea performs well, or perhaps concern that he does not overexert himself with the national team, or simply reluctance to let him go. What is certain is that Wang Yencheng, who will represent Taiwan at the Asian Games, cannot be cheered for unconditionally.

Nevertheless, a strong performance today remains the most desired outcome for Hanwha, as they are riding a four-game winning streak and clinging to slim hopes of reaching the postseason.

Today, Hanwha will face Carlos Carrasco, the opposing team's ace. The starting lineup is set as follows: Sim Woo-jun (shortstop), Choi In-ho (center fielder), Moon Hyun-bin (left fielder), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Noh Si-hwan (third baseman), Yonatan Peraza (right fielder), Heo In-seo (catcher), Kim Tae-yeon (first baseman), and Hwang Young-mok (second baseman).

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*This content was translated by AI.