Unwelcome news has arrived for the Doosan Bears, who are struggling in 9th place in the professional baseball race. The return of 'homegrown ace' Kwak Bin (26) has been delayed.

Kwak Bin, who was sidelined due to damage to his internal oblique muscle before the opening in March, was scheduled to pitch in the Futures League against the Goyang Heroes at Icheon Bears Park on the 13th. This was a crucial step for his return to the first team after injury, but his appearance was canceled due to swelling in the injured area. After monitoring his recovery, the next schedule will be arranged.

With Kwak Bin, who achieved 12 wins in 2023 and 15 wins last year to share the crown for most wins, now absent, Doosan is feeling the void, currently ranked 8th in starting pitching ERA (4.52). Kim Yu-sung (9.00) and Choi Jun-ho (9.28), who were given chances as the 5th starters, are both struggling with ERAs in the 9s, making Kwak Bin's return urgent, but it has been stalled.

Choi Jun-ho also experienced discomfort in his left side after pitching in the second game of the doubleheader against NC on the 11th, resulting in his removal from the first team roster, adding to the series of setbacks. Ahead of the game against Hanwha on the 13th, Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop stated, "We can't force what won't happen. We have to wait until everything is ready," indicating that they have no choice but to wait for Kwak Bin to fully recover.

While it is uncertain when Kwak Bin will return, the existing pitchers must step up. Among them, the burden is heavy on Cole Irvin (31), who had a disastrous outing in the first game of the doubleheader against NC on the 11th, allowing 8 runs in 2⅓ innings with 3 hits, 4 walks, 3 hit by pitches, and 1 strikeout. It was his worst performance of the season, and it was also the first time he failed to complete 5 innings.

More disappointing than the pitching performance was the outburst shown when he was substituted. After pushing pitching coach Park Jeong-bae and catcher Yang Eui-ji with both shoulders as he left the mound, he threw the ball he was holding roughly toward first base, expressing his dissatisfaction. While many foreign pitchers are known for their competitive spirit and 'outbursts,' there are almost none who have openly displayed their feelings by pushing coaches and teammates.

However, Cole Irvin later noted that his frustration was directed not at others but at himself, saying that he was surprised to see the video of his actions afterward. It was an unconscious act, and after the first game that day, he immediately apologized to manager Lee Seung-yeop and the team.

Manager Lee Seung-yeop said, "It has been resolved internally. He requested a meeting after the first game of the doubleheader and acknowledged that he had gone too far. I actually didn't see that scene; I found out afterward. He apologized to the team and coaching staff. Since it has been resolved internally, there is no desire to escalate the matter. It was a mistake that shouldn't have been shown on the mound, but he apologized right after that day. He is a player who needs to play an important role for our team, and since he acknowledged his error, there is no problem. We need to forget about the past," summarizing the situation.

With Kwak Bin's return delayed and Choi Jun-ho injured, Doosan is in a situation where they cannot afford to forgive Cole Irvin. Fortunately, Cole Irvin took the initiative to admit his mistake and apologize, which could serve as a turning point for him. The same goes for his pitching performances. Manager Lee stated, "He tends to leave a lot of pitches, resulting in more walks compared to innings pitched. He has fallen completely, so that game could serve as a turning point. I believe if he listens a little more to our coaching staff and performance analysis in order to succeed more in the KBO League, he will show good pitching."

Meanwhile, Cole Irvin addressed the attitude controversy before the game on the 13th, stating, "It is 100% my fault. I was angry at myself for allowing 7 walks instead of blaming my teammates, which led to inappropriate behavior. I'm sorry for showing such a side to both my teammates and many fans. Especially in professional baseball, where many children are cheering, such behavior is not right," delivering a clear apology.

Cole Irvin added, "After watching the video again, I reflected more. I apologized to the manager, pitching coach, and Yang Eui-ji, who is the captain and catcher, after the end of the first game of the doubleheader. I will work harder to be a good teammate of the Doosan Bears going forward," showing his determination. With Kwak Bin's return delayed, Cole Irvin must repay as the ace.

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