LG Twins are gearing up for their Wild Card match against the Doosan Bears on October 14, 2026, but face a challenging situation without their closer Son Joo-young.
Why it matters: The absence of Son Joo-young significantly impacts LG's bullpen as they enter the postseason.
Son Joo-young was excluded from the Wild Card roster due to injury, leaving LG without their primary closer.
Veteran reliever Yoo Young-chan is also unavailable, having undergone surgery earlier in the season.
LG must now rely on a less experienced bullpen to secure their playoff aspirations.
Driving the news: On October 13, 2026, LG announced its Wild Card roster via official social media channels.
Son Joo-young has had a challenging season, posting a 3.22 ERA with 31 saves over 47 appearances.
He struggled in September and October, recording a 6.08 ERA in his last 14 games and allowing 5 runs in just 3.2 innings this month.
Injury woes intensified as he suffered a neck strain, preventing him from participating in the final regular-season game against KIA.
State of play: LG finished the regular season in fourth place and is set to face fifth-place Doosan in the Wild Card round.
To advance to the playoffs, LG needs to win or tie the first game against Doosan.
If Doosan wins, they will force a second Wild Card game scheduled for October 15.
Doosan must win two consecutive games to progress to the next round.
The big picture: The loss of key bullpen players puts LG at a disadvantage as they enter the postseason.
Alongside Son Joo-young, veteran reliever Kim Jin-sung is also out due to a shoulder injury sustained earlier in the season.
Newcomer Go Woo-seok is ineligible for postseason play due to registration deadlines.
Head coach Yeom Kyung-yup will need to strategize effectively to compensate for these losses.
What they're saying: LG's management and coaching staff have expressed concern over the team's current state.
"We have to adapt quickly to the absence of key players and focus on our strengths," Yeom said.
Fans are anxious about the team's ability to perform under pressure without their closer.
Some analysts suggest that LG's depth will be tested in the upcoming matches.
By the numbers: Key statistics highlight the challenges facing LG.
Son Joo-young's season stats: 47 games, 50.1 innings pitched, 1 win, 2 losses, 31 saves.
His performance declined sharply in the last month, with a 6.08 ERA in September and October.
LG's record against Doosan this season will be a factor in their playoff strategy.
What's next: The immediate focus is on the Wild Card match against Doosan.
LG will start Carlos Carrasco, who has shown promise with a 4.05 ERA and a previous shutout against Doosan.
O Ji-hwan, the starting shortstop, returns to the lineup after recovering from a knee injury.
The team is preparing to rally support from fans at Jamsil Stadium for this high-stakes game.
As LG prepares for this important matchup, the absence of key players raises questions about their ability to compete effectively in the postseason. With the pressure mounting, attention will turn to how the team adapts and performs against Doosan in the Wild Card round.