"There are no bullpen reinforcements."
The KIA Tigers' bullpen faced significant difficulties. On July 7, they allowed a comeback in the 8th inning despite leading the Kiwoom Heroes by 7 runs during the game at Gocheok Sky Dome. It was a humiliation that is hard to find. In the bottom of the 8th, leading 10-3, Choi Ji-min gave up two walks and was pulled from the game, and Kim Geon-guk, who followed, gave up a grand slam. Even the reliable Cho Sang-woo and closer Jeong Hae-young pitched, but their control fell apart, leading to a comeback loss.
Before that, Lee Jun-young and Jeon Sang-hyun also allowed one run each. Recently, the bullpen had stabilized, but on this day, they conceded runs in a baffling manner, shaking as if possessed by a ghost. It can be seen as an isolated incident, but the shockwave is too strong. They were shaky at the start of the season but found stability. However, another embarrassing loss has caused doubt again.
The KIA bullpen has definitely lost power compared to last year. Key member Jang Hyun-sik gained free-agent status and transferred to the LG Twins. Kwak Do-kyu ended the season early due to elbow surgery, and Im Gi-young went down to the second team for the second time. As starter Yoon Young-cheol struggled, he was moved to long relief. In return, long reliever Hwang Dong-ha moved to the starting rotation, which weakened the bullpen. Kim Dae-yu also briefly showed up in the first team but went back down to the second team, recording an ERA of 32.40 in 3 games.
Cho Sang-woo, who was acquired through a trade, has shown stability, allowing the winning group to operate normally. However, in the last three games, he stumbled by allowing 2 runs each in two of those games, bringing back uncertainty. In the game against Hanwha on the 4th, with the score tied 1-1 in the top of the 8th, he gave up 3 hits and 1 walk, allowing 2 runs and suffering a loss. He also allowed 2 walks that day, all leading to runs. All of Cho Sang-woo's runs allowed resulted in losses.
Although Choi Ji-min seemed to regain strength this year, he has recently wavered. After 16 games at the start of the season, he had allowed only 2 runs. It seemed he was regaining the dominance of the 2023 season. However, on April 30 against NC, he suddenly collapsed, failing to record an out and allowing 4 runs (3 earned). He allowed 2 runs in just three games after that. His control, which was the cause of his struggles, faltered again.
The KIA bullpen's ERA is the lowest among the ten teams. There is a significant difference in the performance of the supporting bullpen pitchers. Moreover, no reinforcements are in sight from the second team. The only one is left-handed pitcher Kim Gi-hoon. Essentially, they have to carry on with the current bullpen. If Lee Eui-ri returns, it could provide a slight breather. If Lee Eui-ri returns as a starter, Hwang Dong-ha, who has improved, could wait in the bullpen. However, they will have to wait more than a month.
Manager Lee Beom-ho noted before the game against the Kiwoom Heroes on July 7, "I think he will be able to pitch in the first team around mid-June. He is currently increasing his pitch count and will soon pitch in the Futures League. As his pitch count rises to 80 or 90 after throwing 2 or 3 innings, he will be able to join the first team after pitching 4 or 5 innings a few times."
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