Seoul: With South Korea set to face Japan in two exhibition baseball games in Tokyo this weekend, manager Ryu Ji-hyun is keeping his plans for top right-handed pitchers Won Tae-in and Moon Dong-ju under wraps. Both pitchers have had demanding seasons in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) and are crucial to the national team's strategy for the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC) in March next year.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Won Tae-in, a 25-year-old pitcher from the Samsung Lions, has already represented the national team in 10 games. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Moon Dong-ju from the Hanwha Eagles played a pivotal role in securing a gold medal for South Korea at the 2023 Asian Games with a scoreless performance against Chinese Taipei in the final. Their performances in the KBO have established them as key figures in South Korea's pitching lineup.
Despite their importance, neither Won nor Moon appeared in recent victories over the Czech Republic in Seoul. It remains uncertain if they will pitch in the upcoming games at Tokyo Dome. Manager Ryu emphasized the importance of maintaining the players' physical condition for the WBC. "This is not the time to push them too hard," Ryu stated during a practice session in Seoul.
Both pitchers set career-high innings this season. Won recorded a 12-4 win-loss record with a 3.24 ERA in 166 2/3 innings, alongside 17 2/3 innings in the postseason. When questioned about pitching in Tokyo, Won mentioned that decisions are yet to be confirmed. Moon, who won 11 games during the season, pitched 121 innings and added 11 1/3 innings in the postseason. His velocity saw a decline in the Korean Series, but the Eagles confirmed no injury concerns, and the national team is cautious with his return.
Manager Ryu expressed the need for a long-term approach, stating, "It would be so foolish if we only chase short-term goals here and something happens to these players." Both pitchers have exceeded innings thresholds set by their respective clubs, reinforcing the manager's cautious stance.