온라인바카라Sports Chosun reporter Lee Jong-seo] “I think it’s great to see seniors who are consistent.”
Kim Dong-ju (21-Dusan Bears) has been given the nod to start this season. The 2021 second-round pick (10th overall) made his first appearance with the first team last year, pitching 16⅔ innings in 10 games.
He has a hard-hitting fastball and a good changeup from his 6-foot-2 frame. He competed for a starting job this season and won a spot.
With a 2-4 record and a 3.23 ERA in 10 games this season, he rested after the KIA Tigers game on the 9th of last month. After taking a break, he was ready to make a comeback when he threw 3⅓ innings of four-hit, two-strikeout ball in an exhibition game against the Taxation University on 27 March. His fastball topped out at 148kmph and he mixed in a slider (134-136kmph), curve (115-117kmph) and a fork (134-137kmph).
Doosan manager Lee Seung-yeop removed Jang Won-jun from the first-team roster on the 29th of last month, indicating that he would fill the spot with Kim Dong-joo. Barring any “weather variables,” Kim will start against the Samsung Lions in Pohang on the 4th.
“I was in good shape after resting,” said Kim, who has been working out at the Bears Park in Icheon, Gyeonggi-do. “My fastball was better than I thought (in the tax game). My changeup felt a little off, but my overall power wasn’t bad.”
Not bad for a ‘first year starter’. Although he was disappointed to be left off the first team roster, he said, “I think the manager and coach had a plan. “I think the manager and the coach had an idea in mind,” he said, “and I just need to come in and do a good job.” “As I played, I noticed changes in my form and changeup, so I thought I needed to find the right points. It’s hard to say he’s 100 per cent yet, but he’s improving a lot.”
Lee talked about his use of Kim Dong-ju as a “starter lock”. Even if his start is delayed due to rain, he’d rather have him pitch in the Futures League than use him in the bullpen.
Kim said, “I feel like I’m lucky to get the opportunity. Now I have to take advantage of it. There is pressure, but I’m grateful because I can’t miss a good opportunity.” “I think I have to help the team win no matter what. I’m preparing well with the idea that I shouldn’t harm the team.”
Kim Dong-joo added, “I feel that the seniors who rotate in the first team are really amazing, especially those who consistently win more than 10 games, and I learned that it takes a lot of hard work. “Once you’re in the first team, you have to be able to pitch one inning to help the team win.