*This content was translated by AI.
Park Jun-hyun (19), a right-handed pitcher for the Kiwoom Heroes and the 'Super Rookie' selected as the first overall pick in the 2025 rookie draft, secured his spot on the first-division roster despite a disappointing outing the previous day (the 10th). Due to the remaining schedule, he will temporarily step out of the starting rotation and shift to the bullpen to bolster the pitching staff.
On the 10th, Park made his start against Doosan at Jamsil Stadium, throwing 77 pitches over five innings, allowing five hits (including one home run), striking out two batters, and surrendering five earned runs. While he held the line steadily in the fourth and fifth innings, a sudden collapse in the bottom of the third inning, during which he gave up four runs, proved particularly painful.
Ahead of Samsung Lions' game at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 11th, manager Seol Jong-jin immediately dismissed any possibility of sending Park down to the second division. Manager Seol stated, "We have no intention of sending him to the Futures League. In fact, he has already pitched enough in the Futures League and gained substantial experience at the first-division level. Remaining with the first-division team, engaging in conversations with veteran players, and learning mentally from these experiences is itself a significant step in his growth." He firmly confirmed Park's continued presence on the first-division roster.
From his next appearance onward, Park will be held in reserve from the bullpen rather than starting. Due to scheduling constraints, entering the starting rotation has become difficult. Manager Seol explained, "For the next two weeks, there will be fewer games. After this weekend, next week features only a three-game series." He added, "With starters An Woo-jin, Alcántara, and Ha Young-min forming a solid trio of three pitchers, we can comfortably manage the schedule without needing to insert Park into the starting rotation."
Manager Seol further clarified, "However, we cannot leave him without throwing any pitches for two weeks. If a starter falters early and is pulled down sooner than expected, we plan to use him in intermediate relief roles." He emphasized that Park has not been completely excluded from the starting rotation. After the Chuseok holiday, when four to five consecutive games are scheduled from late September into early October, the coaching staff will reconvene to reassess his potential return to the starting lineup.
Regarding the decision to replace Park immediately after the fifth inning despite his pitch count remaining under 80, manager Seol explained it was a considerate move to preserve the player's confidence. "Although he struggled in the third inning, his pitching in the fourth and fifth innings was clean and effective. Ultimately, he did not allow any runs," Seol noted. He added, "If we had brought him back for the sixth inning and he allowed additional runs, it could have significantly dampened his morale. We decided to pull him while he still felt good so he could carry that positive momentum into future preparations."
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*This content was translated by AI.
