Yang Hyun-jong (36, Kia Tigers) pitched more than 170 innings for nine consecutive seasons until last year. Excluding 2021, when he played in the U.S. for a year, Yang pitched at least 170 innings every year from 2014 when he became an ace player to last year.
His record of two-digit wins, which he started together, ended in “eight consecutive years” by winning nine games last season, but Yang’s bid to pitch in 170 innings continues for 10 consecutive seasons this year. As of Sunday, he pitched 144 innings, and Kia has 26 more games to go. As Yang has about five chances to take the mound, he has ample room to challenge in 170 innings.
Yang Hyun-jong did not hide his greed for this “10 consecutive 170 innings” even after he ranked first in strikeouts on the 21st. “It’s a record I’ve dreamed of since I achieved it for seven consecutive years, and if I do it for 10 consecutive years, I think it’s a record that’s really hard to break in the future, so I’ll be very proud of myself if I achieve it,” he said.
The 170-inning challenge, which has become the symbol of Yang, may not be seen starting next year. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho revealed Yang’s “Inning Management” plan for the first time.
KIA manager Lee Bum-ho said on the 22nd after Yang Hyun-jong set the record for the most strikeouts, “Yang Hyun-jong is a progressive pitcher. We will strike out even more in the future,” stressing that his life as a pitcher still has a long way to go. And “In particular, a left-handed pitcher who throws changeups well (like Yang Hyun-jong) can throw longer if he adjusts the number of innings.” I am also talking a lot with Yang Hyun-jong. I think I have a wish to achieve 170 innings on my own for 10 consecutive years. Since it is my 10th year this year, now if I fill it up, throwing with a little less innings can help me in my career and help the team.” 먹튀검증
Manager Lee Bum-ho recently had discussions with Yang on this matter. No decision has been made, but the manager’s thoughts have been conveyed to Yang. However, Yang is greedy for innings. He has thrown innings since he started, believing that innings is the most important value to a starting pitcher. If innings that can be digested naturally decreases, he will not likely continue his challenge for the sake of his personal record. However, if he does not have a specific problem and can throw without getting tired, he is not a pitcher who tries to reduce innings under “management.” Manager Lee Bum-ho, who is well aware of Yang’s personality, stressed several times that he is in “conversation.”
Manager Lee Bum-ho said, “I try to find a way to remain a good pitcher so that many senior players can organize well rather than what they experienced at the end. After achieving my dream, I will discuss with myself what is better direction for my career until the end. It is the most important part of the conversation I am having with Yang Hyun-jong.”
