KIA Tigers ace James Naile has been removed from the first-team roster.

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced the status of first-team roster removals on the 23rd, when no games were held. A total of 11 players were removed from the first team. The only addition is NC outfielder Song Seung-hwan.

It is notable that KIA's ace Naile has been removed from the first-team roster. Naile has played 16 games this season, recording 5 wins, 2 losses, and an earned run average of 2.68 (97⅓ innings, 29 earned runs) and a WHIP of 1.06. Naile was removed from the game after pitching 6⅓ innings with 3 hits allowed (1 home run), 1 walk, 1 hit batter, 5 strikeouts, and 3 earned runs against SSG on the 22nd. Although he recorded a quality start, he gave up a three-run home run to Han Yu-seom in the 7th inning while the team was leading 2-0. He was in danger of suffering a loss, but a come-from-behind two-run homer by Kim Seok-hwan in the 8th inning wiped out that risk. He was subsequently removed from the first-team roster.

On the 22nd, LG pitcher Jung Woo-young and Sung Dong-hyun, who had struggled and caused chaos during the Doosan game, were also removed simultaneously. In the 8th inning, when ahead 11-1, Jung Woo-young came on the mound and allowed a walk to Kim Min-seok, a hit batter to Kim Gi-yeon, and another walk to Kim In-tae, creating a bases-loaded situation without an out. His control was completely off. He ultimately handed the ball over to Sung Dong-hyun.

However, Sung Dong-hyun also showcased similarly poor pitching. He committed a wild pitch against the first batter, Kim Min-hyuk. He allowed a walk to Kim Min-hyuk and a one-RBI single to Kang Seung-ho. The two pitchers did not record a single out before being removed. With a 10-point lead, the key relief pitcher Lee Ji-kang also took the mound, causing more headaches for LG. Although they managed to win 13-5, it could have easily turned into a disaster. Eventually, he is set to go down to the second team.

Additionally, Doosan catcher Kim Gi-yeon, infielder Kim Min-hyuk, and pitcher Kim Jeong-woo were removed from the first team, along with Lotte pitcher Koo Seung-min, NC outfielder Ko Seung-wan and pitcher Han Jae-seung, and Kiwoom infielder Oh Seon-jin and pitcher Lee Gang-jun, who were also removed from the first-team roster that day.

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