“I’m not done yet, I want to be a reliable and stable pitcher.”
NC Dinos’ Shin Min-hyuk is looking to rebound in the Futures (2nd Division) League.
The right-hander, who made his professional debut in the 2020 season, went 15-18 with a 4.66 ERA in 73 games (55 starts) until last year. In 2021, when he became a regular starter, he went 9-6 with a 4.41 ERA in 30 games (145 innings).
However, Shin has been in a bit of a slump this year. After opening the year with two straight wins, he seemed to be on the rise, but has been up and down since. His record is 3-2 with a 5.20 ERA in eight games (36.1 innings pitched). As a result, he was dropped from the first team roster on March 24 and is currently taking some time to readjust in the Futures League.
The main culprit for his struggles has been a sudden change in his pitches after going around the batting order. According to baseball statistics site Statiz, Shin’s first inning batting average is just 0.226, but his third inning batting average is 0.313 and his fourth inning batting average is 0.452.
“I was good at the beginning of (the game), but the ball always got away after one turn in the batting order, especially with my changeup, which was driven up the middle, so the hitters took advantage of the timing,” said Shin, who met with reporters during a personal workout after the Futures League game against the Sangmu was canceled due to rain on the first day of the game at Masan Baseball Stadium.
However, there’s nothing wrong with Shin’s delivery, as evidenced by the fact that he always pitches well at the beginning of each game. As long as he continues to have good pitches, he can show stability at any time. NC head coach Kang Myung-hwa also has no doubts about his resurgence.
“After the game against the Busan Lotte Giants (on March 23), he said, ‘Go to the second team and prepare well, and I’ll make adjustments to the starting lineup, so I’ll see you soon,'” Shin Min-hyuk said.
It’s only one game, but his performance in the Futures League wasn’t bad. In his start against Sangsung on the 30th of last month, Shin Min-hyuk threw five innings of two-hit ball with 79 pitches, one walk, four strikeouts, and no runs. What are the things he is working on in the Futures League?
“I’m working on a lot of things that didn’t work out,” said Shin, who added, “I’m focusing on my physical strength. I’m also working on my pitching balance and changeup. I’m practicing a lot of things that shouldn’t be done.”
He is also preparing for his secret weapon: his curveball. “Especially, I’m practicing my curveball, and (NC Future Team) coaches Son Jung-wook and Lee Yong-hoon are teaching me well. Thanks to them, I’m practicing well and comfortably.”
In addition to Son Jeong-wook and Lee Yong-hoon, NC Future Team coach Gong Pil-sung is also one of his strong supporters. “Coach (Gong Pil-sung) said, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing in the first team,'” Shin said, adding that he is grateful for the many good words.
Regarding his goals, Shin said, “The first thing is to make it to the first team and pitch well,” adding, “I want to be a reliable and stable pitcher.” Finally, he had a message for the fans.토토사이트
“I’m practicing well. (My baseball career) is not over yet. I will pitch well no matter when I make it to the first team, so please give me a lot of support. I will find my form as soon as possible.” Shin Min-hyuk said.
Shin Min-hyuk is sharpening the blade of his comeback by consulting with a doctor. One thing is for sure, the NC starting lineup will be even more solid with him on board.