‘Super Rookie’ 1R left-hander’s debut match delayed for a week due to spring rain

 Due to the spring rain, KIA’s super rookie Yoon Young-cheol’s debut match was delayed for a week. 

The KIA match against KT, which was scheduled to be held at KT Wiz Park in Suwon on the 5th, was canceled due to rain from the night before. As the rain stopped around 3:00 pm, the tarp was removed and preparations were made for the game, but it was canceled when it rained again around 4:00 pm. 

KIA coach Kim Jong-guk had an interview with reporters after it was canceled in the rain, but he was away to have a brief meeting with pitching coach Jeong Myeong-won. Director Kim said, “I was thinking about when Yoon Young-cheol was put in, but I think I’ll have to postpone the plan a little because of the rain today.” 

The original plan was Yang Hyeon-jong on the 4th 안전놀이터and Yoon Yeong-cheol on the 5th. However, as the game was canceled on the 4th, Yang Hyeon-jong was announced as a starter against KT on the 5th. 

Director Kim explained, “On the weekend, Anderson, Eui-ri Lee, and Medina go out in turn. It was a pre-determined order.” 

In the home opener held at KIA Champions Field in Gwangju on the 7th and 9th, pitches will be made in order of starting 1-3. All are starting after a 5-day break. Yoon Young-chul is expected to make his debut during three consecutive Kiwoom matches on the 14th and 16th. 

Yoon Young-chul, who graduated from Chungam High School and was nominated by KIA in the 2023 rookie draft in the 1st round and 2nd place, showed good pitches from spring camp. His fastball velocity is not fast, but as a left-handed pitcher, he has good deception and excellent control. 

Yoon Young-cheol pitched twice in the demonstration game and fought hard with 4 hits, 4 walks, 9 strikeouts and no runs in 8⅔ innings. On March 16, he pitched 4 innings, 7 strikeouts, and no runs against Kiwoom, and on the 21st, pitched 4⅔ innings, 2 strikeouts, and no runs against LG. He won the starting competition with veteran sidearm Lim Ki-young and took the 5th starting spot. 

Head coach Kim Jong-guk praised Yoon Young-cheol during the opening series, saying, “The performance he showed from spring camp to the demonstration game is enough to be the 5th starter.” It can’t be done once or twice, I think I need to give it a few more times.”

Due to the spring rain, Yoon Young-cheol had one more week to prepare for his professional debut.