Lotte's rookie left-handed pitcher Kim Tae-hyun (20) took to the Sajik mound for the first time. He confirmed that his condition is gradually improving and showcased spirited and calm pitching.

On March 10, Kim Tae-hyun appeared in an exhibition game against the LG Twins at Sajik Stadium in Busan, finishing his official debut. He recorded 2 innings, 29 pitches, 1 hit allowed, 1 walk, 1 strikeout, and 1 earned run (unearned) before leaving the mound.

Graduating from Gwangju Ilgo, he was drafted 4th overall in the 1st round of the 2025 rookie draft, garnering significant expectations, and also participated in the first-team spring camp. However, he struggled to find his rhythm early in spring camp due to hamstring pain. He improved his condition while participating in live pitching at the end of the first training camp in Tainan, Taiwan, and began competing in the Miyazaki spring tournament in Japan.

On Feb. 27, he recorded 1 inning with 1 walk and no earned runs against the Orix Buffaloes, reaching a top speed of 136 km/h. In the March 2 spring tournament against Doosan, he recorded 1 inning, 2 hits allowed, 1 hit-by-pitch, 2 strikeouts, and 1 earned run, also with a top speed of 136 km/h.

Having gradually improved his physical condition, Kim Tae-hyun showcased his skills for the first time on the Sajik mound during the 7th inning, trailing 2-7. He handled the lead-off batter Lee Young-bin with a ground ball to first base. Moon Jeong-bin flew out to right field, and Song Chan-yi also flew out to left field, marking a perfect first inning for his debut.

In the second inning of the 8th, various situations occurred that Kim Tae-hyun could not control. He allowed a double to the lead-off batter Oh Ji-hwan to right field. Park Dong-won was handled with a ground ball to the pitcher. Although there could have been confusion in the process of making the play with a runner on second, he calmly threw to first base.

However, with 1 out and a runner on second, Kim Tae-hyun allowed a run. He threw a curveball on a 2-ball, 2-strike count to Kim Hyun-soo, which bounced before reaching the plate. The runner on second, Oh Ji-hwan, dashed to third, but catcher Son Seong-bin made a bad throw. Oh Ji-hwan crossed home plate.

He then issued a walk to Kim Hyun-soo in a full count. Following that, he induced a ground ball to third base from Park Hae-min, and struck out Kim Min-soo swinging, concluding his appearance for the day.

He pitched boldly in his debut game, recording 29 pitches. He mixed in 12 four-seam fastballs with a top speed of 141 km/h, 10 forkballs, 4 curves, and 3 sliders. This was the first time he exceeded 140 km/h, having not achieved that velocity in previous outings.

Although he allowed a run without the aid of his defense, it was a meaningful outing for Kim Tae-hyun. After the game, Kim noted, "Before pitching, I believed in myself and resolved to simply focus on the catcher's mitt."

However, he added that he felt tension as hits, errors, and walks occurred in succession. He remarked, "Once I got on the mound, the various situations created tension for me."

Still, he thought positively. Kim Tae-hyun said, "I believe that experiencing situations like today early was a great help." His velocity is also gradually increasing, and he is working to regain his original condition. On the same day, LG pitcher Kim Young-woo reached a top speed of 152 km/h, and Samsung's Bae Chan-seung also hit 153 km/h. Kiwoom's Jeong Hyun-woo recorded a maximum speed of 146 km/h.

In comparison, Kim Tae-hyun's velocity is slower and his pace is gradual. However, he stated confidently, "My physical condition is quite good, and I will make a steady effort to improve and throw better pitches," adding, "I want to gain a lot of experience in first-team games throughout this year. I want to be evaluated as a complete pitcher, Kim Tae-hyun."

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