“Kim Jae-yoon’s Departure” Triggers Alarm for Samsung Bullpen; Left-Handed Pitcher Top Replacement Candidate for Closer Role: “No Matter How Many Innings, I Just Need to Complete My Pitching”

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

“Whether I come up in any inning or in any situation, I think all I need to do is complete my pitching on the mound.”

An emergency has been declared in the Samsung Lions bullpen. Veteran closer Kim Jae-yoon (36), who had firmly guarded the back end of the game with a league-leading 36 saves, was unexpectedly sidelined due to injury, creating a significant crack in the team’s postseason pitching plans. In response, Samsung Manager Park Jin-man (50) stated that he would not lock in a specific pitcher as the fixed closer, but instead deploy the closing role flexibly according to the flow and situation of each game.

Within this collective closing system, the left-handed Lee Seung-min (24) is undoubtedly the most prominent “top replacement candidate.” Having primarily served as a setup man and key reliever this season, Lee Seung-min appeared in 74 games, recording a 6-2 record with 2 saves, 23 holds, and an ERA of 2.65. He ranked second in the league for most holds, establishing himself as a reliable pillar of the Samsung bullpen.

Although he has suddenly had to share the burden of the back end of games, there was no wavering on Lee Seung-min’s face. Instead, a calm yet heavy sense of responsibility was evident. Ahead of the first game of the playoffs (PO) against the KIA Tigers, which was scheduled for the 25th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Lee Seung-min met with reporters to share his honest resolve for facing such a big game. The game was postponed due to rain, but Lee Seung-min had been maintaining calm mental control even before the match.

Despite it being his first postseason stage in his career, there was little sign of special tension. Lee Seung-min said, “I haven’t done anything particularly special or prepared differently just because it’s the postseason,” adding, “I have been preparing exactly the same way with the routine I built during the regular season.”

He continued, “It is truly an honor to be entrusted with such an important role,” stating, “Just a few years ago, I honestly couldn’t even imagine being in this position. This year, I am thinking that I need to focus more on the mound and pitch with greater responsibility than before.”

He also firmly dismissed concerns that Kim Jae-yoon’s sudden departure might leave a gap in the bullpen. “It is unfortunate that Jae-yoon hyung has had to step aside due to injury, but I believe our bullpen pitchers are always strong,” he said, expressing strong confidence in his teammates by adding, “The other pitchers will pitch well enough to fill that void.”

Above all, as Manager Park Jin-man stated, Lee Seung-min is the pitcher who could be called upon at any moment during the late innings of a game, including the ninth-inning save situation, whenever the most critical moment arises. However, his calculation is to focus solely on throwing his pitches rather than being bound by the timing of his appearance or his specific role.

Finally, Lee Seung-min declared, “Whether I come up in any inning or in any situation, I just think about completing my pitching,” and threw down a bold challenge, saying, “I will step onto the mound without being overly concerned with the situation.”

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original