SSG foreign hitter Heredia started as the left fielder batting third in the game against the Incheon KIA Tigers on the 22nd and received an order to be ejected in the bottom of the 7th inning.

With a score of 0-2 in the bottom of the 7th inning, shortly before stepping into the batter's box with one out and a runner on first base, umpire Kim Seon-su declared a pitch clock violation, penalizing him with a strike.

After receiving the penalty strike, Heredia hit a foul ball against KIA starter James Neile's first pitch and got a hit on the second pitch as he ran toward first base while turning his head and saying something towards the umpire.

After Heredia arrived at first base, the umpires gathered to discuss Heredia's unexpected behavior. They then issued an ejection order to Heredia. This led manager Lee Seung-yong to come onto the field to appeal, but nothing changed. Head of Team Jeon Il-soo took the microphone and explained, "Heredia was ejected for using derogatory language towards the umpire."

Before the game against the Doosan Bears on the 24th, manager Lee Seung-yong said, "The umpire said that Heredia used profanity, but Heredia claimed that he did not. After the game on Sunday, I didn't say anything to Heredia. Today, I met with him and cautioned him not to engage in unnecessary behavior."

Manager Lee specifically stated, "After all, rules are set, and such behavior can be a negative for the team, the player himself, and our fans, so I hope he refrains from such actions. He acknowledged his actions but claimed he did not use profanity. However, regardless of whether he did or not, that behavior itself was wrong, and I told him to avoid it. Heredia also acknowledged that it was inappropriate behavior."

According to SSG, the reason Heredia was upset about the pitch clock violation was that he believed the opposing battery was not ready, so he took his time waiting. He considered others and felt it was unfair to be penalized.

Manager Lee noted, "If we keep discussing that part, it could lead to arguments with the umpires. Since rules are established, we must adhere to them," adding, "However, I wonder if there could have been a bit more consideration within that framework."

Meanwhile, SSG announced its starting lineup against Doosan's ace Choi Won-jun, which included Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Heredia (left fielder), Choi Jeong (third baseman), Han Yu-seom (designated hitter), Ko Myeong-jun (first baseman), Choi Jun-woo (right fielder), Park Seong-han (shortstop), Jeong Jun-jae (second baseman), and Jo Hyeong-woo (catcher). The starting pitcher was Mitch White.

Choi Jeong, who was hit in the eye during defense training, has been named to the roster with a call-up to the first team after recovering from his injury. Manager Lee Seung-yong stated, "Choi Jeong's physical condition is not perfect. As of now, the plan is to use him in defense today and then as a designated hitter tomorrow."

[OSEN]