Young Korean pitcher not about to back down vs. Padres

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Young Korean pitcher not about to back down vs. Padres

Published: 16 Mar. 2024, 16:35

JIM BULLEY
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Moon Dong-ju speaks to reporters at Gocheok Sky Dome in western Seoul on Saturday. [NEWS1]

Moon Dong-ju, the 20-year-old flamethrower for the Hanwha Eagles isn't one to fear hitters. No pitcher armed with Moon's stuff would.

And when Moon starts against the San Diego Padres on Sunday, pitching for the Korean national team in the first of two exhibition games, he will try to stick to his guns and challenge the big leaguers.

"There are so many good hitters, and I think the most important thing is for me to mix in all of my pitches and to go after them," Moon told reporters on Saturday at Gocheok Sky Dome in western Seoul, the venue for the upcoming games.

"Team Korea" will also play the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday, before the Padres and the Dodgers play each other for two games in the historic Seoul Series.

"No matter how many runs I allow or how many home runs I serve up, I don't want to pitch around them," Moon said. "Obviously, whoever is standing in the box will come into my view, but I will just focus on the catcher's mitt."

Hanwha Eagles pitcher Moon Dong-ju sends a sign to the fielders during a spring training game against the Kia Tigers at Hanwha Life Eagles Park in Daejeon on March 12. [YONHAP]

Moon won the KBO Rookie of the Year in 2023 after going 8-8 with a 3.72 ERA. But the most important number for Moon might have been 160.1.

It was Moon's fastball velocity, in kilometers per hour, during a game in April. He became the first Korean pitcher in KBO history to top the magical 160 mark, which would be 99.4 miles per hour.

Moon said he embraced his starting assignment as an opportunity to showcase his talent in front of major league teams and the U.S. audience.

"I think it's going to be fun. As a 20-year-old, I want to show some youthful energy out there," Moon said. "I want to prove to the world that's why I deserve to start the first game."

As for his velocity, Moon said, "I haven't reached high numbers lately and I won't push myself too hard."

When he's not pitching, Moon said he will also keep a close eye on the major league pitchers.

"I think I will get to learn a lot just by watching them," Moon said. "I hope I can take some lessons and apply them right away."

Yonhap