At 36 years old, he has transitioned to a new position. NC Dinos' Lee Yong-chan, what kind of performance can he show as a starting pitcher?

Lee Yong-chan will take the mound as a starter on the 13th in the regular season game against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Stadium in Busan. This is Lee Yong-chan's first appearance of the season. It is also his first start in 1775 days since June 3, 2020, against KT in Suwon.

Lee Yong-chan, who obtained his second free agency qualification after last season, signed his first free agency contract with NC for 3+1 years worth up to 2.7 billion won during the 2021 season and solidified his role as the team's closer for four seasons.

During the four seasons, Lee Yong-chan led the team to the postseason and demonstrated leadership as a veteran on the pitching staff. In his first year of the contract in 2021, he recorded 39 games, 37 innings, 1 win, 3 losses, 16 saves, 3 holds, and an earned run average of 2.19. In 2022, he also excelled with 59 games, 60 and 2/3 innings, 3 wins, 3 losses, 22 saves, and an earned run average of 2.08.

In 2023, he led the team to the postseason, but his performance declined slightly with 60 games, 61 innings, 4 wins, 4 losses, 29 saves, and an earned run average of 4.13. He struggled physically at the end of the season, which was reflected in his performance.

The issue arose last year. Until the first half of the season, he returned as a reliable closer with 39 games, 39 innings, 3 wins, 5 losses, 14 saves, and an earned run average of 2.77. However, he was engulfed in a shocking slump in the second half. In 18 games in the second half, he recorded 15 and 1/3 innings, 4 losses, 2 saves, and an earned run average of 14.67. His final season stats were 57 games, 54 and 1/3 innings, 3 wins, 9 losses, 16 saves, 2 holds, and an earned run average of 6.13.

Over four seasons with NC, his record was 215 games, 213 innings, 11 wins, 19 losses, 5 holds, 83 saves, and an earned run average of 3.72. Although he devoted himself as a closer during his four seasons with NC, his underperformance in the free agency season hindered him. Ultimately, he did not receive much interest and only managed to sign a contract to stay with NC for 2+1 years worth up to 1 billion won.

After signing his second free agency contract, there was a change in his role. Manager Lee Ho-jun planned to convert Lee Yong-chan to a starting pitcher, and Lee Yong-chan prepared for the season accordingly. He is transitioning back to a starting position in his 36-year season.

This is not a position unfamiliar to Lee Yong-chan. He has already had a successful career as a starting pitcher. He recorded 15 wins in a season as a starting pitcher during his time with the Doosan Bears. He has an impressive record of 102 games, 597 and 2/3 innings, 39 wins, 36 losses, and an earned run average of 3.93.

However, as he approaches his late 30s, it remains uncertain whether the transition back to a starting position can be successfully achieved. He has only pitched as a bullpen pitcher for the last four years, and regaining the physical condition of a starting pitcher is quite challenging. Was it too much for him? During the exhibition period, he suffered a hamstring injury and was unable to join the opening rotation.

Having recovered from his injury, he checked his form in the Futures League, but the results were not good. On the 30th of last month against KIA, he recorded 3 and 2/3 innings, 11 hits allowed (1 home run), 1 walk, 5 strikeouts, and 9 earned runs. On the 6th against KIA, he showed a slightly improved performance with 4 and 2/3 innings, 6 hits allowed (1 home run), 1 walk, 6 strikeouts, and 3 earned runs.

For Lee Yong-chan, his return to the starting lineup after a long time is undoubtedly nerve-wracking. However, the team is not in a good situation. He will take the mound after already suffering two consecutive losses in the series against Lotte. Lee Yong-chan is in a position where he needs to turn the tide. Can Lee Yong-chan successfully complete his return to the starting pitching role after 1775 days?

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