SSG Landers manager Lee Seung-yong emphasized that he will continue to have competition for the two starting pitcher spots.
In an interview before the exhibition game against the Hanwha Eagles at Incheon SSG Landers Field on 10th, Lee Seung-yong said, "The fifth starter is still under competition. Today, (Song) Young-jin will throw 60 to 70 pitches, and (Kim) Gun-woo will follow."
SSG has set its starting lineup for the day as Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Jung Jun-jae (second baseman), Choi Jeong (third baseman), Guillermo Heredia (left fielder), Han Yoo-seom (right fielder), Park Sung-han (shortstop), Ko Myung-jun (first baseman), Lee Ji-young (catcher), and Park Ji-hwan (designated hitter). The starting pitcher is Song Young-jin.
Due to injury, foreign pitcher Mitch White's participation in the opening game has become uncertain. SSG has confirmed that Drew Anderson, Kim Kwang-hyun, and Moon Seung-won will be in the starting rotation. The remaining two spots are being contested by Park Jong-hoon, Song Young-jin, Jung Dong-yoon, and Kim Gun-woo. Lee Seung-yong stated, "I am constantly thinking about what to do before White returns. Although many pitchers have come up, to be honest, there isn’t a pitcher who gives me a strong feeling yet."
One of the candidates for the starting pitcher, Park Jong-hoon, struggled in a relief appearance against Samsung on the 9th, recording 2⅓ innings, 6 hits, 1 walk, 1 hit batter, 2 strikeouts, and 5 earned runs (4 unearned). Lee Seung-yong said, "(Park) Jong-hoon will also go out for another exhibition game. This is just one game he has pitched. We need to observe him a bit more."
White, who returned early due to a right hamstring injury during the spring camp in Okinawa, has not yet announced a specific return schedule. Lee Seung-yong explained, "There are no particularly updated situations with White. After a detailed examination on the 14th, his return schedule will likely be decided."
Hanwha's ace Cody Ponce will be the starting pitcher for the day. In response, SSG has also put together its best lineup for the game. Lee Seung-yong revealed, "Today, I organized the best lineup to give all the starters a chance to see some pitches because Ponce will be pitching as the starting pitcher."
Rookie catcher Lee Yul-ye, who had been highly anticipated since the spring camp and was selected in the first round (eighth overall), was sent down to the second team on this day. Lee Seung-yong noted, "(Lee) Yul-ye needs to adjust his batting mechanics right now. I believe it’s better for him to develop his own style, so he was sent down. He has been acknowledged for his defense, but I think his batting needs improvement. We’ll have to keep an eye on it, but as of now, (Jo) Hyung-woo seems to be getting the first opportunity."
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