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"I want pitchers who are growing up to think a lot".

Kia Tigers rookie Kim Min-ju (21) is energized with a new face in spring training. He is catching attention with his fiery pitches. Manager Lee Bum-ho praised her confident demeanor and said other pitchers should learn from her. He is on track to make the Opening Day roster.

Kim Min-ju was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 rookie draft after graduating from Bae Myung-go and Gangneung Youngdong University. Despite being a late pick, he made the spring training roster alongside first-rounder Cho Dae-hyun (19). The advantage of college pitchers is that they can be effective immediately. He was recognized for his potential and made the roster.

In practice, he has been energizing the atmosphere with his strong pitches. In the first practice game of the Canberra camp, he struck out all three batters he faced. He has a powerful fastball that sits in the low 140s and a high-speed slider that is his primary weapon. His slider has a larger angle than most pitchers' and is fast enough to be effective against lefties.

On July 27, he pitched one scoreless inning in an exhibition game against the Yakult Swallows. He didn't strike out anyone, but induced ground balls. 스포츠토토 He also had a curveball and changeup. He pitched with confidence and didn't get rattled when he was hit, and his willingness to stay on the mound and not let the opposition get to him was also appreciated, especially as a rookie. The possibility of utilizing her as a first-team bullpen resource is also opening up.

After the game on the 27th, Kim Min-ju said, "Although it was a practice game, I was a little nervous because it was my first professional appearance. However, I pitched confidently, thinking that a little nervousness is necessary, and fortunately, it led to a good result, so I feel good. My changeup wasn't as good as it could have been, and I thought I needed to work on my quick motion with runners on base. I will try to improve it in the rest of the camp so that I can make the Opening Day roster."

Lee praised the rookie's attitude. "I'm sure the middle relievers thought a lot while watching him pitch, and I hope they did. He looked confident on the mound. I hope that the pitchers who are growing up will think a lot and have good thoughts while watching his attitude towards the game. I saw a lot of good things. He has a good mindset. He will be given plenty of opportunities."

Kia has had rookies establish themselves as first-team pitchers from their first year, starting with 2020 first-round pick Jung Hae-young, followed by Lee Yi-ri in 2021, Kim Do-young and Choi Ji-min in 2022, and Yoon Young-cheol in 2023. If Kim Min-ju becomes a first-team option alongside first-rounder Cho Dae-hyun, the team will have another outstanding rookie pitcher. All eyes will be on Kim to see if he can pass the tough test in the exhibition games.