SSG Landers manager Lee Sung-yong has expressed his faith in Kim Kwang-hyun.
“It’s a shame that one of his pitches went a little high,” Lee said in an interview before the Doosan Bears game in the 2024 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on Nov. 11.
Kim Kwang-hyun started the game on Tuesday and allowed four runs on four hits (one home run) and two walks in five innings, striking out seven and walking one. He pitched well throughout, but giving up a home run to Jered Young at a crucial time led to a lot of runs. The bullpen also gave up a string of runs that cost Kim the win. Kim has struggled in the second half of the season, going 1-3 with a 7.71 ERA in six games (28 innings).
“In the past, one of those high pitches would have been a foul ball or a double,” Lee said. Now, it’s a long ball. I think he’s feeling that a lot this year, so I think he’s feeling less confident,” Lee said, adding, “I always say that he’ll get through it. I think when the team really needs me, I’ll do it. There’s still a lot of matches left, so I hope you don’t get discouraged and overcome it,” he encouraged Kim Kwang-hyun.
SSG’s starting lineup
Choi Ji-hoon (center field), Jung Jun-jae (second base), Choi Jung (third base), Guillermo Heredia (left field), Han Yoo-seom (designated hitter), Park Sung-han (shortstop), 메이저사이트 Kim Min-sik (catcher), Ha Jae-hoon (right field), and Jeon Jeon-san (first base). Oh Won-seok is the starting pitcher. Lee Roon and Lee Eun-wook were removed from the first team roster and Jeon Eui-san and Choi Hyun-seok were called up.
“I took (Oh) Taegon-i out of the starting lineup to give him a break,” said Lee. (Jeon) Ui-san feels good hitting, so I’m going to use him right away. (Lee) Ro-woon also came off to give him a break. Ro-woon-yi and the young guys did so well in the first half that’s why we are where we are. Honestly, I wanted to give them a message to get over it, but I think it’s too much for them. We still have about 30 games left, so we decided to give them a break now.”