Why Did Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop Drop Two Starters? Inside LG Twins’ Bold Midseason Strategy

The Shocking Decision: Two Starters Out at Once

Did you know that LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop just dropped both Im Chan-gyu and Son Ju-young from the first-team roster? Fans and analysts were stunned when, in the midst of a tight race for first place, Yeom decided to rest his two top domestic starters. Im Chan-gyu, with an impressive 8-2 record and a 2.61 ERA, was leading the league among Korean pitchers and had just thrown his first career complete-game shutout. Son Ju-young, meanwhile, had contributed six wins but showed signs of fatigue. The move was unprecedented for a team in contention, especially as LG slipped to second place after Hanwha’s surge[#20][#22][#23].

Manager Yeom’s Philosophy: Playing the Long Game

Why would a manager risk losing ground in the standings? Yeom Kyung-yeop’s answer is clear: longevity over short-term gain. He explained that Im Chan-gyu’s fastball velocity had dropped by 3 km/h in his last start, a classic sign of overuse. Rather than push his ace to the brink of injury, Yeom chose to give him a break, even if it meant a temporary dip in performance. The same logic applied to Son Ju-young, who was also showing signs of fatigue. Yeom’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that a healthy, rested rotation is more important for the summer pennant race and postseason than clinging to first place in June[#20][#21][#22].

Statistical Snapshot: Im Chan-gyu and Son Ju-young’s 2025 Season

Let’s break down the numbers. Im Chan-gyu has thrown 86.1 innings over 14 games, the most among Korean pitchers, and is tied for second in league wins. Son Ju-young, with a 6-5 record and 4.30 ERA, has been a reliable lefty but recently struggled with command and stamina. Both have exceeded their previous season workloads at this stage, raising concerns about burnout. LG’s rotation, once the envy of the league, suddenly faces a depth test as two temporary starters fill the gaps[#20][#12][#13][#14].

Fan and Community Reactions: Mixed Emotions, Fierce Debates

How did LG fans react? Korean baseball communities like DC Inside and FM Korea exploded with debate. Some praised Yeom’s foresight, arguing that protecting pitchers is the mark of a modern, analytics-driven manager. Others accused him of surrendering the pennant race, especially after LG briefly lost the top spot to Hanwha. On Naver and Tistory blogs, the mood was split: about 60% supported the decision as a necessary risk, while 40% voiced frustration, fearing a midseason collapse. The most upvoted comment on DC Inside summed it up: “It’s better to lose a battle than the whole war—trust the process!”[#9][#12][#13][#15].

Cultural Insight: Why Korean Baseball Values Endurance

To really get this story, you need to understand Korean baseball culture. In KBO, there’s a traditional expectation for aces to ‘gut it out’ and pitch through fatigue. However, recent years have seen a shift toward American-style pitcher management, emphasizing rest and injury prevention. Yeom’s decision reflects this new wave, but it clashes with old-school fans who equate toughness with greatness. The LG fanbase, known for its passionate and sometimes impatient support, is now being asked to embrace a more strategic, long-term vision[#10][#12][#15].

What’s Next? LG’s Survival Plan and the Road Ahead

With two starters out, LG faces a tough schedule. The team will rely on temporary starters like Choi Chae-heung and bullpen days to patch the rotation. Manager Yeom has stated that both Im Chan-gyu and Son Ju-young will return after about 10 days of rest, provided their condition improves. If LG weathers this storm, they could be even stronger for the summer stretch and playoffs. Fans are watching closely—if the gamble pays off, Yeom will be hailed as a visionary. If not, expect the criticism to intensify. Either way, this bold move is setting a new standard for pitcher management in the KBO[#20][#21][#22].

International Perspective: What Overseas Fans Should Know

For international readers, the LG Twins’ approach is a fascinating case of East meets West in sports management. While MLB teams routinely rest pitchers to avoid injuries, KBO teams have only recently begun to adopt these practices. Yeom Kyung-yeop’s strategy is at the forefront of this evolution, sparking debates not just in Korea but among KBO fans worldwide. Understanding this cultural context is key to appreciating the high stakes and emotional investment of Korean baseball fandom[#18][#19][#15].