The Samsung Lions, who are struggling with bullpen issues in professional baseball, are hopeful for the return of veteran left-handed pitcher Baek Jeong-hyun (38).
Samsung has suffered two comebacks during their recent three-game losing streak, with the bullpen collapsing. On the 19th, in the game against Doosan in Daegu, rookie Bae Chan-seung failed to maintain a one-run lead in the eighth inning, and on the 22nd against Lotte in Sajik, winning pitcher Kim Tae-hoon allowed six runs in the seventh inning, leading to a big inning and collapse. The middle relief could not hold up, and closer Lee Ho-seong has rested for three consecutive games.
Samsung manager Park Jin-man noted in an interview on the 24th before the game against Hanwha in Daegu was canceled due to rain, "Last week, we lost two of our starting pitchers, and we used pitchers from the bullpen as substitutes. From now on, when the starting rotation operates normally, the substitute starters can go to the bullpen to lend support."
Using substitute starters in two games last week further complicated Samsung's bullpen management. New foreign pitcher Herson Garabito needed time to prepare, and ace Ariel Hurado was also removed from the first-team roster for rest, skipping a turn in the rotation.
On the 19th against Doosan, Yang Chang-seob and on the 20th against Lotte in Sajik, Kim Dae-ho pitched as substitute starters, throwing 2 innings and 3⅔ innings, respectively. Naturally, the burden on the bullpen increased, and it was not easy to find the right timing for substitutions at crucial moments. However, with the starting lineup expected to function normally this week, the bullpen has gained some relief quantitatively.
There is also another hopeful news. Manager Park Jin-man said, "Baek Jeong-hyun plans to start bullpen pitching this week. He is preparing well." Baek Jeong-hyun, who was placed on the injured list due to inflammation in his left shoulder on the 7th, had played 29 games this season (32⅓ innings), recording 2 wins, 1 save, 3 holds, and an earned run average of 1.95 with 31 strikeouts, fulfilling the role of a key bullpen pitcher.
Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Choi Ji-kwang, who underwent elbow ligament reconstruction surgery last September and is undergoing rehabilitation, has also started throwing during catch. Manager Park Jin-man stated, "Since he had surgery in September last year, I don't think about it urgently. There is a rehabilitation schedule step by step. If all goes well, by the end of the season, we may be able to have him participate if we make it to the postseason."
[OSEN]