“Maybe I can get a chance at the Asian Games.”
Hwang Dong-ha of the KIA Tigers certainly made his mark. KIA head coach Kim Jong-guk has entered Hwang Dong-ha as one of his pitching candidates to replace Lee Yi-ri if he goes to the Asian Games.
Hwang made the start against the Samsung Lions at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on April 20, allowing four hits (two home runs), one walk, and three runs in 4⅔ innings.
He pitched through the third inning with one hit and no walks, but struggled after the batting order changed. In the fourth inning, he gave up a leadoff solo home run to Kang Min-ho, and in the fifth inning, he gave up a solo shot to Oh Jae-il and a triple to left-center to Kim Ji-chan.
It was an improvement from his debut start against the Gwangju KT Wiz on June 23, when he gave up three runs on four hits (one home run) in two innings.
The second-year high school pitcher was drafted with the 65th overall pick in the 2022 Secondary 7th Round. He has a strong fastball.
He started in the Futures League, going 6-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 14 games, filling in for Yang Hyun-jong, who was given one start to rest. He was removed from the first team roster on Nov. 21 after completing his starting duties.
KIA had three players selected for the Asian Games – Lee Yi-ri, bullpen pitcher Choi Ji-min, and outfielder Choi Won-jun – and will have to fill their gaps during the Asian Games. In particular, KIA will have the tightest reserve schedule due to the high number of rainouts. “We have so many games left that I don’t think it will be an advantage,” said Kim. If more games are canceled, we may have to play a doubleheader. It could be physically difficult for the players,” Kim said.
Kim needs to find a replacement for Lee during the Asian Games, and Hwang Dong-ha is an obvious candidate. Ahead of the 22nd game against Suwon KT, Kim said of Hwang, “His tempo, delivery, and command are stable. I think we can give him more chances. If he is well prepared for the Asian Games in September, I think he will have a chance.”안전놀이터
Yang Hyun-jong, who has been rested due to his recent struggles, is scheduled to start against the Hanwha Eagles on May 26. “He’s not sick, just mentally and physically rested, so he’ll pitch normally on Saturday,” Kim said.