"I'll pitch long innings."
The KIA Tigers' key pitcher Hwang Dong-ha is a fighter. His pitching time is short. The pitch clock, which will be reduced to 18 seconds this year, is too long for him. Even after a pitcher's strike, he immediately goes for the kill. However, because his strike rate exceeds 80%, he often falls for batters' bait. It is also a task he himself cites that needs to be solved.
He will occupy a fairly large role on the mound this year. For now he is preparing for the season as a starting pitcher. James Nail and Adam Oller form a one-two punch that is among the league's best. However, the innings durability of the domestically raised starters is a concern. Yang Hyun-jong has entered the aging curve, and Lee Yi-ri needs management through this year. Kim Tae-hyoung, who is challenging for a spot in the opening rotation, cannot reasonably be expected to reach more than 100 innings.
Kim Do-hyun, who was found to have a tiny elbow fracture after the season, is not participating in the Amami spring camp in Japan. He says he will prepare for the season slowly. Relying on three domestic starters is a burden. Therefore, domestic starting pitchers are needed up to the sixth and seventh starters. Hwang Dong-ha, who has abundant starting pitching experience, is being cited as an alternative.
At the Amami camp he is preparing as a starter for now. Yang Hyun-jong and Lee Yi-ri are virtually confirmed as starters, but Kim Tae-hyoung, who is entering his second year, needs more observation. If he does not make the starting rotation, he will take on the role of a long man who eats 2–3 innings. However, there will be many games in which he will still have to start. If domestic starters find it difficult to pitch on a four-day rotation, Hwang Dong-ha will have to appear as the alternative. It is a role similar to last season.
Hwang Dong-ha's pitch arsenal value has grown even more. The fastball's movement has improved. He has steadily increased his muscle mass over two years, strengthening his fastball. His slider drops both horizontally and vertically. The break on his curve and forkball is sharp. He is also expected to speed up. His command is relatively good. His approach to facing batters has improved. That is why he is regarded as a primary pitcher on the first team.
At the same time, there were clear areas to improve. His WHIP was 1.51 and his batting average against was .273. He had a strong tendency to try to throw strikes only. Even when he had a favorable count he often gave up hits. He realized he needs the ability to throw bait pitches that make balls look like strikes. It is the ability to throw balls like strikes to draw batters' swings rather than attacking recklessly. He also needs to develop the strikeout ability to get out of jams.
At the Amami camp he is expanding his body's range of motion while also attempting technical changes. In particular, he is reducing the variance in arm speed when throwing fastballs and off-speed pitches. Pitching coach Lee Dong-geol explained, "There is a speed difference in the arm swing when throwing a fastball and when throwing off-speed pitches. We are conducting training to reduce that difference. Because he didn't play many games last year, we are now focusing on increasing the range of motion of his body and arm."
He added, "The fastball is getting stronger. He is regaining the fastball he had during a good period last year," and said, "We expect him to be able to pitch long innings whether as a starter or long reliever. He is a player with good stamina. If he throws long innings, I think both the team and he can achieve good results."
He suffered the misfortune of being hit by a car while crossing a crosswalk last year and was unable to perform properly. So this year is even more urgent for him. Entering his fourth year since joining the team, he must establish himself as a solid key pitcher. The bullpen has been strengthened by the additions of Hong Geon-hee, Lee Tae-hyang and Kim Beom-Su. If Hwang Dong-ha performs as a starter or long man and serves as the workhorse, the mound will be strengthened. The busy workhorse holds the key to the KIA mound.
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