Hanwha Eagles right-hander Kim Min-woo was scratched early after complaining of shoulder discomfort while pitching.
Kim started the sixth game of the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League against the Lotte Giants on Thursday at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan, South Korea, and threw one inning of one-hit ball with three strikeouts.
Kim took the mound with a 3-0 lead after the Hanwha offense pounded Lotte starter Dan Straily in the top of the first inning. He struck out leadoff hitter Hwang Sung-bin to end the inning.
He walked the second batter, Jeon Jun-woo, on a full count, but was unperturbed. He struck out Jack Rex and Ahn Chi-hong to end the inning without allowing a run.
However, Kim Min-woo was replaced by Han Seung-ju at the start of the second inning. The early demotion was completely unexpected as he had pitched well in the first inning.
“Kim Min-woo felt discomfort in his shoulder while pitching and was replaced for player protection,” Hanwha said in a statement. “We will monitor his condition and decide later whether or not to have him checked by a doctor.”
Kim had a record of 1-6 with a 6.93 ERA in 11 games 스포츠토토 this season. He was looking for his second win of the season, having lost four straight starts dating back to last month’s game against the Samsung Lions on April 9, but will miss his next start due to illness.
In the top of the fourth inning, Hanwha’s offense is in full swing and the team has taken a commanding 6-0 lead.