The bullpen, once considered a weakness of the Samsung Lions in professional baseball, has quietly transformed into their most powerful weapon.
Samsung secured a 5-4 come-from-behind victory in the home game against the NC Dinos at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 11th, relying on a solid relief corps.
Starter Zac O'Rourke struggled, allowing three hits, seven walks, three strikeouts and four runs in three innings, but the mound was nearly flawless afterward. Relievers Baek Jeong-hyun, Bae Chan-seung, Miyaji Yura, right-hander Lee Seung-hyun, Kim Jae-yoon and others came in one after another to lock down the NC lineup. The team ranks first in bullpen earned run average (2.59). The numbers prove it.
Before the NC game in Daegu on the 12th, manager Park Jin-man said, "There were many comments that our team's bullpen was weak and we had to rely on hitting," adding, "Maybe because of that, the middle relievers seem better prepared. Right now we are holding on more with bullpen strength than with hitting."
He added, "The hitting pace is gradually improving as well. A synergy effect is expected."
In particular, the recovery in velocity for Asian quota pitcher Miyaji Yura is a welcome development. Park Jin-man said, "His velocity keeps rising. We had many concerns since the exhibition games, but they have now completely disappeared. He is getting better and better."
He also explained, "Yesterday he reached a top speed of 153 km/h. If the weather warms up, he could reach the mid-150 km/h range," adding, "Because his velocity hadn't been coming, his balance was off and his command wavered when he tried to use power, but now that his condition has improved, both command and velocity have gotten better."
A 150 km/h fireballer duo is also expected to join the fray. Lee Jae-hee and Kim Mu-shin, who underwent surgery on their right elbows last year, are expected to regain game feel in the Futures League starting at the end of this month.
Park Jin-man said, "They are scheduled to pitch in Futures games from the end of this month, and the plan is to have them throw one game at a time to check their physical condition. If all goes quickly, they could return to the first team by late May, and at the latest by early June," adding, "They are preparing smoothly."
With the bullpen having turned from a weakness into a strength, there is only room for the Samsung mound to grow stronger.
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