Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung revealed the reason for the removal of left-handed pitcher Kim Jin-wook from the first team roster.

Kim Jin-wook, who has made five appearances this season with a record of 1 win, 3 losses, and an earned run average of 8.69, delivered underwhelming performances against NC on the 13th (1⅓ innings, 3 hits allowed (2 home runs), 4 walks, 2 strikeouts, 6 earned runs) and Samsung on the 19th in Daegu (1⅓ innings, 7 hits allowed (2 home runs), 3 walks, 7 earned runs).

Lotte removed Kim Jin-wook from the first team roster ahead of the Samsung game on the 20th. Infielder Son Ho-young, who had been sidelined with a side injury, was called up to the first team.

Before the game on the 20th, manager Kim Tae-hyung met with reporters and said, "I think it might be better to take him out. Kim Jin-wook is not particularly good with control, but he tried to challenge with fastballs after getting ahead in the count with his slider. However, since that didn’t work, it seems he can’t throw his fastball either."

He added, "I told Kim Jin-wook to go to the Futures League and throw fully for three innings. If he throws confidently and gives up hits or home runs, he will be able to understand it himself. But coming down like this makes him the most disappointed."

Manager Kim Tae-hyung expressed his intention to utilize Park Jin as a replacement starter instead of Kim Jin-wook. Yoon Seong-bin, who has been performing well in the Futures League, is also expected to get an opportunity to start.

Yoon Seong-bin has made four appearances in Futures League games, recording 2 wins, no losses, and an earned run average of 1.93. He secured his second win of the season on the 19th against Samsung, throwing 6 scoreless innings (1 hit allowed, 6 walks, 8 strikeouts).

Manager Kim Tae-hyung said, "For now, I plan to use Park Jin as the starter. Since Yoon Seong-bin has a big quick motion, he often allows walks and stolen bases. We need to verify this part. Of course, if he throws well, we should give him an opportunity."

In addition, Lotte has lined up its starters, including center fielder Hwang Seong-bin, second baseman Ko Seung-min, designated hitter Jeon Jun-woo, left fielder Victor RAY, first baseman Na Seung-yeob, third baseman Son Ho-young, right fielder Yoon Dong-hee, catcher Yoo Kang-nam, and shortstop Jeon Min-jae.

Right-handed pitcher Na Gyun-an will start. This season, he has recorded 1 loss without a win in four games, with an earned run average of 4.50.

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