The Hanwha Eagles are reshuffling their bullpen as the team looks to solidify the back end of games. With former closer Kim Seo-hyun struggling and temporary replacement Jack Cushing leaving the club, Lee Min-woo is now in line to take over the closer role.
Lee Min-woo pitched a scoreless ninth inning in Hanwha’s 11-5 win over the Kiwoom Heroes on Tuesday at Gocheok Sky Dome. Although the game was not a save situation, the outing was intended to help Lee adjust to the closer role.
Before the game, Hanwha manager Kim Kyung-moon said the team is considering several candidates for the closer spot. “We’ll decide based on the opponent and their lineup, but for now, Lee Min-woo is likely to be the one waiting,” he said.
Cushing, who temporarily served as the closer due to Kim Seo-hyun’s struggles, will leave Hanwha on May 15 when his contract expires. Originally signed as a replacement for injured foreign starter Owen White, Cushing moved to the bullpen after Kim’s poor form. He pitched in 14 games, logging 18.2 innings with a 1-2 record, three saves, and a 4.82 ERA. He appeared in every game as a reliever after his start against KIA on April 12, throwing scoreless outings in nine of those appearances.
The issue remains Kim Seo-hyun’s ongoing struggles. The former closer was sent down to the minors on April 27 and returned on May 7 against KIA, but he failed to record a single out, allowing two hits, three walks, and four earned runs. He hasn’t been given another chance since. In 12 games this season, Kim has pitched just eight innings with a 1-2 record, one save, and a staggering 12.38 ERA.
Now, Lee Min-woo has the opportunity to step up. This season, he has appeared in 12 games covering 15 innings, posting a 2.40 ERA with one loss and two holds. Originally a first-round pick by KIA in 2015, Lee was traded to Hanwha in 2022. After spending last year in the Futures League without a single first-team appearance, he has sharpened his two-seam fastball this season, becoming a more competitive option.
Of course, the situation remains fluid. Tuesday’s game was a comfortable six-run lead, so the pressure was minimal. Lee must prove he can also handle tight games with a lead of three runs or less.
On the bright side, Hanwha’s offense has been on fire lately, a welcome sight for any pitcher. If Lee Min-woo can lock down the closer role, the Eagles could look to climb even higher in the standings.
