Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung delivered sharp criticism towards Gu Seung-min, who has fallen into a slump in his first year of his free agent contract.

On the 9th, in a match against the Suwon KT Wiz that was canceled due to rain, Kim noted to reporters that Gu's omission from the first team was due to a 'monotonous pattern.'

On the 8th, when there was no game, Lotte abruptly excluded right-handed bullpen pitcher Gu Seung-min from the first team roster.

Gu Seung-min struggled on the 7th in the match against the SSG Landers at Sajik, pitching one-third of an inning with one hit, one walk, and one earned run (unearned). He lowered his earned run average from 16.20 to 14.73, but it wasn't a significant change, and after a rough stretch in May with a record of one loss and one hold in three games, earning an average of 10.80 (1 and 2/3 innings, three runs, two earned), he received notice of his second trip to the second team this season, following March 27.

What could be the problem? Kim noted, "The velocity has gone up, and regardless of the lack of power on the forkball, the pitch combination pattern is the same. He can throw two or three fastballs in a row, but instead shows one fastball, then sets the count with a backdoor slider, induces a foul with a falling forkball, and then sends one fastball before throwing a forkball. The pattern is just too similar."

After finishing last season, Gu Seung-min exercised his free agent rights and signed a 2+2 year contract worth up to 2.1 billion won with his original team, Lotte, in November of last year. The Lotte organization explained the reason for investing a considerable amount in Gu by stating, "He recorded 20 holds for four consecutive seasons as the second player in KBO League history and also set the team's all-time hold record."

After completing the contract, Gu Seung-min said, "Thanks to the team continually providing me with opportunities to play, I was able to sign the contract. As this is a challenging contract, I will strive to be a player who contributes not only to achieving personal goals but also to the team's advancement into fall baseball. Lastly, I sincerely thank the fans who have waited for me."

However, this season's performance has been a series of disappointments. He showcased overwhelming pitching with two saves and an earned run average of 1.35 in six Futures League games, but left the worst record with an average of 14.73 in five first team games, without a win, one loss, and one hold. The struggles are particularly painful for Kim, who regarded him as a key member of the winning team.

Kim pointed out that Gu Seung-min faces challenges in the second team, saying, "He doesn't have the same velocity as before, and the forkball isn't breaking sharply, so they’re all getting hit. And to throw another fastball, he needs to have some control, but he lacks control."

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