Among the three consecutive QSs in Sangmu, but changed positions in Jamsil. 6th starter → Bulpen. There's still 20 days left.
May 28, 2025
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LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said Lee Jung-yong, who will be discharged from Sangmu on June 17, will throw as a bullpen pitcher, not a starter, after his return.
Manager Yeom was asked about Lee Jung-yong's position while talking about bullpen pitchers returning from injury before the home game against the Hanwha Eagles in Jamsil on the 27th. "In the current atmosphere, our starters have no problem and I think we will have to go to the bullpen because we think there will be a problem with the bullpen."We had a meeting last week, and by the time Jung-yong returns, opinions were gathered that the middle side would be much more needed than the starting line-up." I think I can go back to the starting line, but I decided that because the bullpen was tight" he said.
Lee Jung-yong is the winner of 2023. Previously, he played in a must-win group with Ko Woo-suk and Jung Woo-young, but in 2023, when it became difficult for the team to start after suffering an early slump, he switched to a starter in the middle of the season and recorded a 4.15 ERA with three saves and one hold. In particular, in the second half of the year, he played 11 games (10 starts) and recorded 4 wins, 1 loss, and a 3.28 ERA, serving as the salt needed for the team.
In the Korean Series, he returned to his role as a bullpen again and led the team to victory by blocking the team with a double play in the bottom of the ninth inning with one out and full base in Game 3, which was considered the most important.
Lee Jung-yong, who joined Sangmu after winning the championship, is playing as a starting pitcher in this year's Futures League. He has maintained a good record of 3-1 with a 2.18 ERA in six games, including three consecutive quality starts.
Coach Yeom initially planned to use Lee Jung-yong as the sixth starter after his discharge from the military. When Lee Jung-yong returns, manager Yeom's idea was to give existing starting pitchers a break by using Lee Jung-yong as a starter. It was to prepare for the upcoming hot summer by giving a break to the starters who have consistently kept the rotation.
But immediately, the bullpen was in trouble. Jang Hyun-sik and Kim Kang-ryul and Bae Jae-joon were injured. Closer Yoo Young-chan will come and Jang Hyun-sik will also return in early June, but the quantity is not enough. If Kim Kang-ryul and Bae Jae-joon return and the bullpen becomes abundant, I think there is no problem even if Lee Jung-yong starts then.
Manager Yeom said, "Hernandez is coming after taking a good rest, and Chirinos is okay, and other pitchers also threw while resting for one or two more days due to rain." and added, "Even if Lee Jung-yong is turned back into a starter due to a bad starter, he can throw about 70 because he threw as a starter. In that case, you can do bullpen day," he said of Lee Jung-yong.
Manager Yeom is paying more attention to his return because he is a pitcher who gives trust no matter which side he uses, whether he is a starter or a bullpen. For LG, it is clear that the fact that a large relief force will come to the mound in mid-June, whether it is a starter or a bullpen, is a big boon ahead of the summer.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
