Kiwoom Heroes’ starting rotation plans will change depending on the rainy season.
After a difficult start to the season, Kiwoom started to pick up steam in June. With 12 wins, two draws and eight losses, the team is ranked fourth in monthly winning percentage and has climbed up to sixth in the league standings, putting them within reach of a postseason berth.
The key to Kiwoom overcoming their early struggles has been a strong starting lineup. Foreign pitcher Eric Yokishi was lost to injury, but the remaining starters, including Ahn Woo-jin, Ariel Furado, Choi Won-tae, and Jung Chan-heon, have been solid. Their starting ERA (3.04) ranks first in the league.
Kiwoom, which has been intentionally resting its starters to keep them healthy for the long haul, has already given Ahn Woo-jin, Yokishi, and Choi Won-tae one rest each. Now it’s the turn of Hurado and Chung Chan-heon.
Head coach Hong Won-ki said in an interview on the 25th, “Now it’s Furado’s turn to rest. He said he wasn’t very happy about the rest. But it’s a concern because he’s throwing the most innings among our starters. I think we’re going to have to force him to rest at least once.”
Hurado has been performing well this season, going 5-7 with a 2.69 ERA in 15 games (93⅔ innings). In June, he is 2-1 with a 2.18 ERA in five games (33 innings), but he has logged the second-most innings in the league behind only Raul Alcantara (Doosan, 94⅔).
Hong Won-ki said, “Looking at the current starting rotation order, if the heavens cooperate for one day in the three-game series in Gwangju, we can give Furado a break without making any major changes. If the rain is canceled for just one day, I think we’ll have a little more leeway. Depending on the rainy season, our starting rotation plan will change,” explained Hong.
Kiwoom, which plays its home games in a dome stadium, is not as affected by the rainy season as other teams. However, with a three-game road trip in Gwangju during a period when rainfall is forecasted, there is a chance of a rainout.먹튀검증
“We’ve probably played the most games,” says a smiling Hong Won-ki, “and at this point in every season, we have the most games. However, I think there might be a change this time.”