“One changeup saved all pitches.”
Lim Chan-kyu, who made his professional debut in 2011 wearing a pinstripe uniform for the LG Twins, is a right-handed pitcher whose main weapon is a fastball with an average speed of 140km. He recorded 51 wins, 69 losses, and an earned run average of 4.76 (hereinafter based on stat teas) in 275 professional games (158 starts) until last year.
Lim Chan-gyu, who posted an average ERA of 5.04 with 6 wins and 11 losses in 23 starts in the 2022 season, was pushed out of the starting rotation ahead of the start of this season. It fell behind in competition with junior players with better pitches such as Lee Min-ho and Kang Hyo-jong. As a result, the role given to him was long relief.
Lim Chan-gyu, who was like that, is showing a counter-fight. Before the game on the 2nd, he climbed the mound seven times (three starts) and recorded an average ERA of 2.91 with 1 win and 1 hold. In particular, recently, when Lee Min-ho was out of the team due to a right elbow injury, he made three appearances as a starting pitcher to fill the void, and his ERA during this period was only 1.32. What is the secret to Lim Chan-gyu’s rebound?
On the 29th of last month, ahead of the KIA Tigers game in Jamsil (LG lost 3-6), LG coach Yeom Gyeong-yeop said, “(Lim) Chan-gyu has a changeup, the deciding ball, so the value of fastballs and curveballs has increased together.” In the middle of a changeup), he threw a fastball toward himself from a two-strike no-ball, so it was showing (to the hitters) fast.”
Next, coach Yeom said, “That’s why the number of fastball standing strikeouts has increased.” With the changeup, the value of fastballs and curveballs went up together. I also mix and throw sliders here. One changeup saved all pitches,” he added.
Lim Chan-gyu also pitched well in his last game against Jamsil KIA on April 28 (3-4 LG loss) with 4 hits, 1 walk, 6 strikeouts and 2 runs in 5.1 innings. Giving up two runs in the top of the first inning with consecutive hits and foils was a tidbit, but it did not shake.
In particular, white rice was the second inning. At that time, Lim Chan-gyu, who was hit hard by lead hitter Lee Chang-jin, caught follow-up hitter Han Seung-taek with a ground ball in front of the pitcher, but was driven to first and second base with one out due to a throw error by the first baseman, which came out of Park Chan-ho’s first baseman ground ball. However, he did not break down and struck out Ryu Ji-hyeok and Ko Jong-wook in a row and kept the mound without any crisis until one out in the top of the 6th inning. 안전놀이터
Regarding Lim Chan-gyu’s loss of points in the game on the 28th, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, “(Lim) Chan-gyu would not have been hit if he had mixed a curveball, but he was successful after playing with only a changeup and a fastball.” It is not easy for batters to match the curve speed and timing. It comes so slow. To hit it, you have to hit it right away, but (mostly) it is not easy to attack because you turn three swings.”
However, despite such strong fighting, Lim Chan-gyu is expected to return to his main job, the bullpen, when Lee Min-ho returns.
Manager Yeom said, “(Lim) Chan-gyu can come out more if he is in the bullpen, so he is good for the team.” Starting pitchers come out every 4-5 days at most, but the bullpen can come out every day, so Lim Chan-gyu is more valuable. Lee Min-ho, who started the ITP (phased pitching program), will return in about a month.
Meanwhile, from the 28th to the 30th of last month, LG, who fell into a shocking 3-game losing streak by giving away all 3 home matches against KIA, aims to reverse the atmosphere through 3 consecutive away matches against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park from the 2nd. Right-hander Lee Ji-gang was the starting pitcher on the first day, and right-hander Song Myeong-ki was the starting pitcher for NC.