Seoul: LG Twins reliever Woo Kang-hoon has been given a significant opportunity to establish himself in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) this season, and he is making the most of it. Six years after being drafted out of high school, Woo has finally found his footing in the league, thanks to a strong performance during spring training.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Twins manager Youm Kyoung-youb has positioned Woo in a high-leverage role, ahead of more experienced teammates, and Woo has justified that decision with impressive performances. In his recent outings, Woo has struck out four batters in three perfect innings while recording two holds, a significant improvement considering he had none in his previous 28 appearances before this year.

Woo expressed his surprise and gratitude for being given the chance to pitch in crucial situations so early in the season. Reflecting on his first career hold against the Kia Tigers, Woo stated, "I will try to stay locked in and keep working hard, so that I will continue to get into tough situations."

In a recent game, Woo demonstrated his composure by holding the Twins' lead against challenging opponents. He effectively handled the pressure, earning the trust of his manager, who described him as one of the team's most reliable relievers. When informed of this recognition, Woo expressed his pride and commitment to embracing his role.

Woo attributes his early success to refining his delivery and achieving better balance on the mound. His sidearm delivery, combined with a potent fastball and a sharp curveball, has proven effective against both right-handed and left-handed batters. Woo's ability to command his pitches with a shorter arm swing has given him an edge, especially against left-handed hitters.

The journey to this point has not been without challenges. Woo was initially drafted by the Lotte Giants in 2020 but faced setbacks due to an elbow surgery and military service. He made his KBO debut in 2023 and was traded to the Twins in 2024. Despite limited appearances last season, Woo viewed the trade as an opportunity for growth.

Looking ahead, Woo is determined to maintain his performance throughout the entire KBO season. "I've never had a full season at this level," he admitted. "I want to stay on the roster for the entire season and want to become a member of the championship team at the end."