The decision is made. Now we need alternatives.
All eyes will be on the KIA Tigers, who sent starter Sean Anderson (29) and closer Jung-Hae-young (22) down to the Futures (second team). Not only do they have a vacant starting rotation spot to fill right now, but also a closer. Given the weighty nature of the two positions, KIA’s options will be closely watched.
Currently, there are two pitchers in the first-team bullpen who could be in line for a starting role: Lim Ki-young (30) and Kim Ki-hoon (23). The former could be utilized as he has a lot of experience and can provide versatility as a right-handed sidearm. However, it’s unclear if he’s going to be used in the rotation, as he’s been struggling in the long-relief role as well as the closer role lately. With closer Jung Hae-young headed to the Future Team, Im Ki-young is one of the options to fill that role, which also puts a question mark over the possibility of an alternate starter. Kim Ki-hoon is capable of multi-inning work, but given his recent form, it’s unclear if he’ll be given a starting role for more than five innings 스포츠토토.
Eventually, KIA will likely find an alternative in the Futures. Hwang Dong-ha (20) and Kim Jae-yeol (27) have been consistent starters for the Futures this season. Hwang Dong-ha is 4-2 with a 3.10 ERA in eight games in the Futures League. Jae-yeol Kim is 3-2 with a 2.68 ERA in seven games. It’s their pitches that stand out. In 40⅔ innings, Hwang has given up 13 walks (two in the dirt) while striking out 36. Kim Jae-yeol also gave up 12 walks in 37 innings, but struck out 40 batters. The second-year right-hander, who was selected in the seventh round of the 2022 KBO Draft, has made significant progress in his professional career, not only improving his pitches but also increasing his velocity. Kim Jae-yeol, who is now in his 10th year as a professional, was disappointed last year as he was unable to solve his pitching homework, but he is raising his expectations after seeing the effectiveness of the pitching academy that KIA is running in the Future Team. Based on the two players’ recent performances, Kia is expected to give them the starting rotation spot vacated by Anderson.
The closing spot vacated by Jung will likely be filled by the existing bullpen. In addition to Choi Ji-min (20), who has been the de facto closer, Im Ki-young (20) is expected to find a breakthrough by utilizing the existing closer Jang Hyun-sik (28), Jeon Sang-hyun (27) and left-hander Lee Jun-young (31).
Anderson and Jeong Hae-young will likely have an adjustment period with the Futures for a while. KIA head coach Kim Jong-kook said of Anderson during last week’s game against Hanwha, “There is a small problem with his command. We’re talking to the power analysis team and pitching coach, and the player is aware of it.” Regarding Jeong, he said, “The power analysis team found a difference. We’re trying to change the mechanics from the long toss, but it’s hard to think about that when you’re on the mound.” Based on the trip to Futures, the team will focus on fixing the problems they’ve already found and looking for a rebound in the rest of the first half of the schedule.