LG Twins in Crisis: Hernandez's Headshot Ejection Deepens Pitching Woes

A Shocking Scene at Jamsil: Hernandez's Headshot Ejection

Did you know? On June 17, 2025, the LG Twins' urgent push for the top of the KBO standings was derailed by a dramatic incident at Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Starting pitcher Elieser Hernandez was ejected in the second inning after hitting NC Dinos' Park Kun-woo in the head with a 143km/h fastball. The ball struck Park's helmet guard, and after a tense moment on the ground, he was replaced and sent for medical examination. This marked Hernandez's automatic ejection under KBO rules, making it the sixth headshot ejection of the season.
Fans in the stadium and online were stunned, with immediate concern for Park's health and heated debate about pitcher safety and intent.

The Impact on LG’s Already Thin Rotation

LG’s pitching staff was already stretched thin. Just days before, lefty Son Ju-young and righty Lim Chan-kyu were dropped from the roster, leaving two starting spots vacant. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop had planned to use Choi Chae-heung and a bullpen day to patch the holes, but Hernandez’s early exit forced the bullpen into emergency action. Rookie Kim Young-woo was rushed to the mound, and the bullpen was heavily taxed for the rest of the game. This situation exposed the fragile depth of LG’s rotation and intensified pressure on the relief corps.
Recent injuries and inconsistent performances have made every start critical, and this incident could have ripple effects for weeks.

Park Kun-woo’s Injury and the Dinos’ Frustration

Park Kun-woo, a key NC Dinos outfielder, suffered a bruised left cheekbone but avoided structural damage. He complained of dizziness the next day and was held out of the lineup as a precaution. The Dinos, who lead the league in hit-by-pitches, voiced growing frustration. Manager Lee Ho-joon noted that players were upset and even discussed retaliation, highlighting the emotional toll repeated incidents take on teams.
This episode has reignited debate in Korean baseball about player safety, intent, and the need for stricter enforcement or new protective measures.

Fan and Community Reactions: Empathy, Outrage, and Debate

Korean online communities like Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21 exploded with reactions. Many fans expressed sympathy for Park and frustration with the frequency of dangerous pitches. Some defended Hernandez, citing lack of intent and his immediate apology, while others demanded harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Representative comments included: “Pitchers need better control—this is getting out of hand,” and “Hernandez looked genuinely sorry, but rules are rules.” The overall sentiment was about 60% negative (concern for safety and LG’s predicament), 30% neutral, and 10% positive (praise for sportsmanship and quick medical response).

Cultural Insight: The Significance of Headshots in KBO

For international fans, it’s important to understand that headshots in Korean baseball are treated with utmost seriousness. The KBO’s automatic ejection rule reflects both player safety concerns and the league’s desire to prevent on-field violence. Unlike in some Western leagues, where intent is debated, Korean baseball culture emphasizes apology and responsibility. Hernandez’s gesture—removing his cap and bowing in apology—is a powerful act of contrition in Korean sports.
These moments also fuel intense online discourse, with fans dissecting every angle of the incident and its implications for team strategy and league policy.

LG Twins’ Season Outlook: Can They Recover?

The LG Twins entered 2025 with high expectations, aiming to build on their championship pedigree. However, the combination of injuries, rotation instability, and now Hernandez’s suspension threatens their momentum. Manager Yeom is relying on both veteran leadership and emerging talent, but the bullpen’s heavy workload is a looming concern. The team’s ability to adapt—possibly by seeking temporary foreign reinforcements or accelerating the development of young pitchers—will be crucial.
Despite these challenges, LG’s core hitters and experienced bullpen still give them hope for a strong finish, but every game now carries added pressure.

International Perspective: Why This Story Resonates

For global baseball fans, this incident is a window into the passion and drama of the KBO. The league’s strict safety protocols, the emotional responses from players and fans, and the strategic dilemmas facing the LG Twins all highlight the unique culture of Korean sports. The sense of community, both at the stadium and online, shows how deeply baseball is woven into Korean society.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on how LG manages its rotation crisis and whether Hernandez can redeem himself—both on the mound and in the eyes of fans.