Manager for KBO's best team in June trying to stay in present
Doosan Bears manager Kim Won-hyong, right, bumps fists with catcher Yang Eui-ji following an 8-1 win over the Kia Tigers in the teams' Korea Baseball Organization regular-season game at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field in the southern city of Gwangju, Sunday. Yonhap
Trying to return to the postseason in South Korean baseball this year after missing out in 2025, the Doosan Bears have put themselves in the thick of the race by winning five consecutive series.
They have the best record in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) so far in June, with an 8-3-1 (wins-losses-ties) mark entering Tuesday's game against the KT Wiz. At 33-31-2 for the year, the Bears are holding down the fifth and final postseason spot.
Before hosting the second-ranked Wiz at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, Bears manager Kim Won-hyong tried to stay on an even keel.
"Obviously, we're playing better than earlier in the year," he said. "But the important thing is we haven't even played half of the season yet."
After the Wiz, the Bears will take on first-place LG Twins on the weekend.
"People say this week will be a tough test for us, and I think every week will be hard from here on," Kim said. "I think we're firing on all cylinders with our pitching and hitting at the same time. I just hope this will continue as we take on some really good teams."
In addition to owning the KBO's best record this month, the Bears also have the best starting pitching ERA (2.91) and bullpen ERA (2.30) in June.
The Bears welcomed back their star closer Kim Taek-yeon from a shoulder injury last week, and he has thrown two scoreless innings in two outings since ending his two-month layoff.
In Kim's absence, veteran reliever Lee Young-ha picked up nine saves and posted a 2.63 ERA — numbers good enough to convince the manager to keep him in the ninth-inning role for now.
"Young-ha has been pitching so well. Taek-yeon may eventually return to the closer role, but that time isn't now," Kim Won-hyong said. "I am sure Taek-yeon will understand this. He may be upset, but the team comes first."
Kim Taek-yeon's availability in late-inning, high-leverage spots, with Lee locking things down in save situations, will give the Bears enviable bullpen depth.
"Our bullpen has done a terrific job in late innings. It's always nice to build leads early and hold on to them," Kim said. "I think teams are once again recognizing the importance of a strong bullpen this year, with so many lead changes lately."