KIA's must-win group break + Choi Ji-min's cancellation "We caught the three difficult LG games well.""
Jul 12, 2024
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KIA Tigers eliminated left-hander bullpen pitcher Choi Ji-min from the first-team entry ahead of the match against Gwangju SSG Landers on the 12th.
Choi Ji-min took the mound in relief against the LG Twins in Jamsil on the 11th, a day before, and withdrew after failing to catch an out count and allowing one hit, one walk, and one run (non-earned). Choi Ji-min took the mound in the bottom of the ninth inning with KIA leading 4-0, but he seemed in poor condition, giving up a straight walk to leadoff hitter Kim Sung-jin and getting a hit to the right by Hong Chang-ki. In the end, KIA won 4-2 with difficulty after allowing two runs by excluding Choi Ji-min and putting in Jeon Sang-hyun in a no-out situation.
Coach Lee Bum-ho, who met ahead of the SSG match on the 12th, said "Choi Ji-min decided that it would be better to take a break." I think I'm a little tired both psychologically and physically. He explained, "I'm going to take out about 10 days."
KIA registered left-hander Lee Joon-young on the day. Director Lee Bum-ho said, `Junyoung is feeling better. Since Lee Joon-young, Kwak Do-gyu, and Kim Dae-yu are doing well, I think three people should take turns to fill Choi Ji-min's spot. If you have to throw it for a long time, there is Kim Sa-yoon. What you have to choose and post depending on the situation,' he added.
In addition, in the match against SSG on the same day, Pil Seung-jo Jeon Sang-hyun and Jang Hyun-sik declared a break. Jeon Sang-hyun pitched two innings (no runs) against LG on the 10th and one inning (one run not allowed) against LG on the 11th, while Jang Hyun-sik also pitched one inning (no runs) against LG on the 10th and one ⅓ (no runs) against LG on the 11th. Since the short All-Star break, he has won all three games, and overall fatigue has accumulated in the bullpen.
Director Lee Bum-ho said, `Today, Jeon Sang-hyun and Jang Hyun-sik are off. Players who didn't go out still have strength. LG's three consecutive games were very important, but they played well. Since the team is in good condition overall, I think it needs to be operated accordingly. I played an important game well, so I'll be tired, but I'll feel good. We were a little weak against SSG, and we didn't play well. It's an important situation from the beginning, so I'll do it"He expressed his determination ahead of the weekend's home series.
youll@sportschosun.com
