The KIA Tigers are meticulously evaluating their closer options as they approach the conclusion of a season marked by significant historical achievements. Manager Lee Beom-ho is considering a flexible approach, potentially utilizing both Jeong Hae-yeong and Kwak Dong-gyu, depending on game situations. The team is also contemplating a return to Jeong Hae-yeong as the primary closer if his performance remains strong.
Jeong Hae-yeong’s Legacy and Recent Challenges
Jeong Hae-yeong has been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ bullpen since joining the team in 2020. He established himself as the undisputed closer from 2021 through the early part of the current season, amassing over 150 saves. This remarkable tenure represents the longest consecutive stint as a closer in the franchise’s history. However, his performance saw a dip late last season, a trend that unfortunately carried over into the beginning of the current year.
Recognizing the need for a reset, Manager Lee made the proactive decision in April to send Jeong Hae-yeong to the minor league team for reconditioning. Simultaneously, the closer role was temporarily filled by Seong Yeong-taek, who was considered the most stable option in the bullpen at the time. This strategic move provided Jeong Hae-yeong with ample time to regain his form and mental composure.
A Successful Comeback
The manager’s support and the period of rehabilitation proved effective. Upon his return after reconditioning, Jeong Hae-yeong rejoined the team and demonstrated a significant turnaround. In 28 appearances, he recorded 2 wins, 8 holds, 1 save, pitched 27 2/3 innings, and maintained an earned run average of 3.58. His resurgence was crucial, especially as Seong Yeong-taek began to struggle in the latter half of the first half of the season, necessitating further adjustments in the bullpen.
Strategic Decisions for the Homestretch
With the bullpen requiring renewed stability, Manager Lee is prioritizing a three-pronged approach for the closing duties, considering Jeong Hae-yeong, Kwak Dong-gyu, and Jo Sang-woo. This strategy aims to solidify the back end of games, providing a more robust foundation for the team’s efforts in the remaining matches. The manager emphasized the importance of having a defined closer to ensure the bullpen’s overall strength and consistency.
Manager Lee expressed confidence in Jeong Hae-yeong’s potential to reclaim the closer role, stating, “We are waiting for the moment when we can be assured that Jeong Hae-yeong can once again take on the closer responsibilities.”
Navigating Specific Matchups
However, for the initial series of the second half, specifically against the SSG Landers and a four-game stretch in Incheon, Jeong Hae-yeong will not be considered for the closer role. This decision stems from his past difficulties pitching in Incheon. This season alone, he managed only 1 1/3 innings with 3 earned runs in his appearances there.
In light of this, Jo Sang-woo was deployed as the closer in the game on the 17th against SSG in Incheon, helping to secure a 6-3 victory. Reflecting on the preceding day’s game, Manager Lee commented on the deliberation process: “Yesterday, I agonized over choosing between Kwak Dong-gyu and Jo Sang-woo for the closer role. For Jeong Hae-yeong, we used him a bit earlier in Incheon, but from the next series onwards, we plan to use him in the closer position later in the game. We will check the data to see who performs better between Kwak Dong-gyu and Jo Sang-woo in Incheon, and then decide who will close.”
The manager further elaborated that if not for the unique circumstances of pitching in Incheon, Jeong Hae-yeong would be the top priority for the closer position. The consideration for Kwak Dong-gyu also involves his recovery from elbow surgery at the beginning of the season.
Assessing Current Performance and Future Outlook
Manager Lee noted Jeong Hae-yeong’s recent strong performances, observing, “Hae-yeong’s pitching yesterday was exceptionally good. His pitches looked powerful. Baseball is 70% mental, though. We took into account his past struggles in Incheon.” He added, “We will watch and see regarding the closer role. We are contemplating whether to designate one person or adapt based on the situation. Hae-yeong’s pitching has been improving significantly lately, which is encouraging. If Dokyu’s pitches can flow a little better against right-handed batters, using Dokyu might also be a viable option, but we are still deliberating.”
The manager highlighted the characteristics of Jeong Hae-yeong’s pitches, stating, “Hae-yeong’s pitches are generally downward-breaking. When the velocity is good, pitches with that kind of movement are inherently more difficult for hitters to handle.” He concluded by discussing the potential candidates for a solidified closer role: “Considering Dokyu and Hae-yeong, and even Jo Sang-woo, we are looking at them. If we must designate one person, I believe it should be either Hae-yeong or Dokyu at this point.”
The team’s strategy moving forward will involve careful observation of each pitcher’s performance and situational effectiveness, aiming to secure victories in the crucial final stretch of the season.
