"Scheduled for the next appearance."
Kiwoom Heroes manager Hong Won-ki explained once again the reason regarding the 122 pitches of first overall pick star rookie Jung Hyun-woo (18) in his debut game. He stated that a special decision was made because it was a special day, the debut match. He also showed his intention to manage well according to the club's starting plan. He noted that he would also go through the scheduled next appearance.
Jung Hyun-woo made his debut as the starting pitcher against the KIA Tigers on the 26th at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field. He pitched 5 innings, allowing 8 hits, 7 walks, and 6 runs (4 earned). Thanks to the batting lineup hitting 21 hits and scoring 17 runs, he secured the win. As a rookie, he took responsibility by pitching 5 innings.
However, the number of pitches, 122, became controversial. It was the second highest pitch count for a rookie debut in history. Criticism arose that the young pitcher, who would turn 19 years old in April, had pitched too much. He threw 93 pitches after the 4th inning. With a significant lead of 11-4, manager Hong had him pitch in the 5th inning to meet the win requirement for a debut.
In the 5th inning, however, he faced a bases-loaded situation and gave up 2 runs, causing his pitch count to rise sharply. Manager Hong pondered but waited to meet the win requirement. He finished the 5th inning by catching the final batter, Choi Hyung-woo, with a flyout to the outfield. In the end, it took 29 more pitches to get 3 outs. Still, Jung Hyun-woo showed confidence, saying, "I didn't feel fatigued. I recorded the highest pitch count in my life."
Before the game against KIA on the 27th, Manager Hong said, "Yesterday was a special day in Hyun-woo's baseball life. I had no choice but to make a special decision. I had a lot of concerns. It was tough, but I made that decision. Choi Hyung-woo was the deadline. If he couldn't stop him, I would have removed him." He added, "In the 1st and 2nd innings, he was nervous and struggled, causing a high pitch count, and I thought he might have difficulties in the 5th inning. However, he pitched intelligently, and there was none of that from the 3rd inning onward."
Manager Hong stated, "I haven't checked, but since there were no special reports from the trainer's part, it seems there aren't any issues. Our club has a plan for establishing starting pitchers. We managed Hyun-woo since last fall. His physical condition is quite flexible. He has increased his pitch count through practice camps in Taiwan and exhibition games."
Finally, he said, "We manage with a rest routine that has been in place for several years. I will monitor his recovery status today and tomorrow. For now, he will regularly enter the schedule planned for next week." Jung Hyun-woo is expected to pitch against the SSG Landers at Gocheok Sky Dome on April 1. Manager Hong expressed hope, saying, "He will pitch better than yesterday in the next appearance."
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