It has been revealed that Mel Rojas Jr.'s substitution in the 3rd inning the previous day was punitive.
KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol noted before the first game of the doubleheader against the Lotte Giants at Suwon KT Wiz Park on Nov. 11 that Rojas' removal in the 3rd inning occurred because he "couldn't perform."
Rojas started as the left fielder batting 3rd in the game against Lotte on Nov. 10, going 0-for-2, and was replaced by defensive substitute Bae Jeong-dae at the start of the 3rd inning. A KT official stated regarding the reason for the substitution, "Rojas is not injured," and the specifics of the replacement were revealed during the manager's briefing that day.
In the bottom of the 1st inning with one out and a runner on second base, Rojas helped advance the runner Kim Min-hyeok to third base with a fly ball to right field, but he remained silent during the opportunity in the 2nd inning with one out and runners on first and second, hitting into a double play.
Manager Lee Kang-cheol explained, "It was a chance, but he hit into a double play. I didn't know what would happen if it was against Ahn Hyeon-min." He added, "Looking at Rojas' hitting yesterday, he missed every hittable pitch. I deliberately took him out to give him a little motivation. It seems he thinks he belongs in every position, so I did it intentionally to motivate him."
Due to the loss the previous day, KT has fallen into a four-game losing streak for the first time in 269 days since August 14 of last year against the Samsung Lions in Daegu. It was a moment when their .500 winning percentage crumbled after 34 days since the April 6 game against the SSG Landers in Incheon. The season record stands at 18 wins, 2 draws, and 19 losses. They set a new record for the longest losing streak of the season, surpassing the three-game losing streak suffered after their loss to SSG on the 6th of last month.
Manager Lee Kang-cheol emphasized, "I waited until the .500 winning percentage dropped. In fact, compared to last year, we're doing extremely well, so I didn't say anything to the players." He noted, "But now they need to get their act together. There are no guaranteed positions. Of course, I know all the players are trying hard, but results are needed. I plan to look at this coolly."
To change the atmosphere, Manager Lee Kang-cheol registered outfielders Jang Jin-hyuk and Yoo Jun-kyu while demoting outfielders Kim Geon-hyung and Kim Byeong-jun. He stated, "I intend to bring up all healthy players to the first team and give them a chance."
KT made changes to their lineup against Lotte starter Park Se-woong. The list includes Hwang Jae-kyun (3rd baseman), Kim Min-hyeok (left fielder), Rojas (right fielder), Ahn Hyeon-min (center fielder), Kang Baek-ho (catcher), Jang Seong-woo (designated hitter), Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop), Moon Sang-cheol (1st baseman), and Kang Min-seong (2nd baseman). Notably, Kang Min-seong's starting role as 2nd baseman is highlighted by the fact that all well-hit balls the previous day went directly to fielders. The starting pitcher is foreign pitcher William Cuevas.
[OSEN]