SSG Landers finishing pitcher Seo Jin-yong (31) is showing the best performance at the beginning of the season.
Seo Jin-yong pitched in relief in the match against Kiwoom Heroes of the ‘2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League’ held at SSG Landers Field in Incheon on the 22nd and recorded a save with 1 hit, 1 strikeout and no run in 1 inning. SSG won 3-2 come-from-behind and went on a three-game winning streak. 안전놀이터
Coach Won-hyung Kim said in an interview after the game, “Today Jin-yong Seo had three consecutive fights. He encouraged Seo Jin-yong’s fighting, saying, “I want to praise him for continuing to block the game well even in difficult situations for the team.”
Seo Jin-yong, who served as the closer last season but failed to complete the season, ended the season rather disappointingly with 7 wins, 3 losses, 12 holds, 21 saves, and an ERA of 4.01 in 68 games (67⅓ innings). However, he was dropped as a closer this season again and is performing perfectly with 1 win, 8 saves and an ERA of 0.00 in 10 games (10⅓ innings). His saves are overwhelming and lead the league.
“In fact, he didn’t have high expectations when he entered the season,” said manager Kim Won-hyung, who honestly said, “But he is doing very well now. If I expect more here, that is my greed. He laughed at Seo Jin-yong’s performance, saying, “I’m still doing very, very well.” “The biggest concern is the injury. If I can do it like now without injury, I don’t think I need to worry about the second half of the game.”
However, it is not certain that Seo Jin-yong’s performance will continue until the end of the season. Due to the nature of his position as a finishing pitcher, he has no choice but to face several difficulties during the season, which is directly related to the team’s defeat. Seo Jin-yong had ups and downs last season, especially in the second half of the season.
Manager Kim Won-hyung said, “I cannot guarantee that Seo Jin-yong will continue to be a closer. I don’t know what variables may arise. But he won’t ask you to do better than you do now. I hope he will do well without injury, just like now.”