“There are no plans to raise a left-handed pitcher in the 2nd division yet.”
Kiwoom Heroes coach Hong Won-ki worried about the poor condition of left-handed pitchers in a pre-game interview with Doosan Bears in the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League’ held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 12th.
Kiwoom currently has only left-handed pitcher and closer Kim Jae-woong in the bullpen. Since Kim Jae-woong only plays in save situations, there is no left-handed pitcher to put in in the middle of the game.
Coach Hong Won-ki said, “There is no plan to raise a left-handed pitcher in the 2nd team yet. Even though we only have right-handed pitchers, pitchers are also showing good numbers and numbers against left-handed batters. And the left-handed pitchers in the second group have yet to pick up their pace.”
Left-handed pitchers who can expect to be called up to the first team in Kiwoom include Lee Seung-ho and Lee Young-jun. Lee Seung-ho played in the bullpen with an average ERA of 3.58 with 3 wins, 2 losses, 10 holds and 10 saves in 53 games (50⅓ innings) last season. 메이저놀이터
Lee Seung-ho and Lee Young-joon are in the 2nd team, but they have not pitched in a single game in the Futures League. After the opening game, the Goyang Heroes played only one game with cancellation of rain and fine dust.
Coach Hong Won-ki said, “Lee Seung-ho prepared for the season as a starting pitcher this year. However, neither his pace nor his speed improved, so he was pushed out of the starting pitcher competition. But if the pace picks up, you can compete again. Lee Young-joon is also a pitcher with a lot of experience, so if his speed goes up to the level that the coaching staff or himself wants, I think it will be a big help in the bullpen.”
Meanwhile, Jeong Chan-heon, who signed a free agent contract right before the start of the season, has yet to make a pitch. Director Hong Won-ki said, “I haven’t received any special reports about Jeong Chun-heon yet. During the winter, he would have prepared well, but he could not play the actual game, so he told me to take my time and prepare.”