SSG Landers are making bold moves as they navigate a challenging 2026 season, with a focus on reshaping their roster and exploring new pitching strategies.
Why it matters: The SSG Landers are currently sitting in 9th place, making playoff aspirations nearly impossible. With injuries and performance issues plaguing the team, management is looking to the future.
SSG's recent struggles stem from a faltering starting rotation, exacerbated by injuries to key players like Drew Anderson and Mitch White.
The team has decided to give younger players more opportunities as they prepare for a rebuilding phase after a disappointing season.
Manager Lee Seung-yong emphasized the importance of gaining experience for young players in light of their current standings.
Driving the news: On August 14, 2026, SSG announced that Thomas Hatch would not start against the LG Twins due to shoulder discomfort. This decision led to Min-jun Choi stepping in as the starting pitcher.
Hatch, who joined SSG in June, has struggled this season with a record of 2 wins and 4 losses over 8 games, posting a 6.02 ERA.
Choi has also faced challenges, recording a 5.25 ERA with only 1 win in 21 appearances this season.
Injuries have compounded SSG's difficulties, including the loss of foreign hitter Guillermo Heredia, who is working to regain form in the Futures League.
The big picture: SSG's current situation reflects broader issues within the team, particularly in their pitching staff. The team’s performance has necessitated a reevaluation of player roles.
Lee Seung-yong stated that he is considering giving starting roles to players from the Futures League, including Lee Ro-woon, who has shown promise.
Lee Ro-woon, a former reliable bullpen pitcher with 33 holds last season, has been reassigned to a starting role in the Futures League to test his capabilities.
This change comes as SSG aims to build a competitive roster for next season, looking beyond the current struggles.
What they're saying: Lee Seung-yong expressed optimism about Lee Ro-woon's potential transition to a starting pitcher.
“Lee Ro-woon has the stamina and competitive edge needed for a starting role,” Lee said, highlighting his four effective pitches.
He noted that the team is exploring various options to strengthen their rotation, considering the difficulties they’ve faced with injuries and performance.
By the numbers: SSG's statistics highlight the urgency of their situation this season.
As of mid-August, SSG has dropped to 9th place in the league, effectively eliminating their chances for postseason play.
Lee Ro-woon has struggled this season, with a record of 5 wins and 3 losses, along with a 7.08 ERA before his shift to starting pitcher.
Guillermo Heredia's absence due to injury has left a noticeable gap, as he was one of the team's key offensive players.
What's next: SSG is set to continue testing new strategies as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
If Lee Ro-woon successfully adapts to his new role, he could be called up to the first team for future games.
Lee Seung-yong plans to monitor Hatch’s recovery closely, with a bullpen session scheduled for August 16 to assess his readiness to pitch again.
The team is also expected to evaluate the performance of other young players in the upcoming matches, aiming to build a more competitive lineup for next season.