“Closer Won Tae-in”: Samsung takes a bold gamble! Park Jin-man: “If we are leading, he will pitch unconditionally; Choi Won-tae is the designated starter for Game 3”

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Park Jin-man (50), manager of the Samsung Lions, clearly stated the criteria for deploying his “secret card,” domestic ace Won Tae-in (26). Rather than forcing him onto the mound unconditionally, he declared an all-out effort to secure Game 2 by deploying the ace in the ninth inning without hesitation if the team holds a tight lead.

Ahead of Game 2 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs (best-of-five series) against the KIA Tigers, scheduled for the 27th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Manager Park spoke candidly at a press conference about his plans for utilizing Won Tae-in and future rotation strategies.

After losing Game 1 by a score of 1-5, Samsung approaches Game 2 with a sense of urgency. The biggest point of interest was undoubtedly Won Tae-in’s role and timing of appearance. Initially considered a candidate to start Game 3, Won Tae-in is waiting in the bullpen for Game 2 as well, having been removed from the inactive list to fill the gap left by closer Kim Jae-yoon’s injury. Won Tae-in himself also waited in the bullpen for Game 1 and directly conveyed that he would take the mound if a save situation arose in Game 2.

Manager Park was decisive regarding the criteria for deploying Won Tae-in. Manager Park stated, “If we are leading, I will definitely send him out.” He added, “The premise of Tae-in going out is that we must win today’s game unconditionally,” explaining, “If such a situation arises, he will naturally go out. If that happens, there will also be natural changes to the starting rotation.”

If Won Tae-in takes the mound to secure the ninth inning, the starter for Game 3 is already determined: right-hander Choi Won-tae. Regarding the replacement starter card in case Won Tae-in is deployed, Manager Park said, “Depending on today’s game situation, (Chris) Fedde’s (starting date) could be moved up,” while also stating, “If Tae-in pitches today, Choi Won-tae will start Game 3. The starter for Game 3 has already been decided,” clearly outlining the rotation plan.

However, if the score gap widens significantly, there is no need to use the Won Tae-in card. In response to the question of whether he would pitch even when leading by a large margin, Manager Park said, “Our bullpen pitchers can easily overcome that kind of score difference,” drawing a line by stating, “With such a gap, there is no need to use (Won) Tae-in.” It appears the calculation is to save Won Tae-in if they hold a comfortable lead and use him as the starter for Game 3 as planned.

Although Samsung lost Game 1 and ceded the initial momentum, Manager Park’s mind is already set on a “winning formula” toward victory. Attention turns to whether Manager Park Jin-man’s bold gamble to firmly lock down the ninth inning will pay off on the Daegu field in Game 2.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original