"I haven't notified you yet." Five scoreless innings together? KIA's '5th starting pitcher competition' goes to the end

"I haven't notified you yet." Five scoreless innings together? KIA's '5th starting pitcher competition' goes to the end

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Kia Tigers coach Lee Bum-ho, who arrived in Korea on Friday after finishing the second spring camp in Okinawa, Japan, did not give a clear answer when asked by reporters whether he has decided on the fifth starting pitcher. Right-handed pitchers Kim Do-hyun (25) and Hwang Dong-ha (23) are fiercely competing with each other for the first place. The fourth starting pitcher will be James Nail, Adam Oler, Yang Hyun-jong, and Yoon Young-chul. Lee Eui-ri, a left-handed pitcher who is recovering from an elbow injury, needs a temporary fifth starting pitcher to take over his position before he returns, but the main character did not appear until he finished his camp schedule. The two players are in good condition and are now agonizing over their fate.안전놀이터

"I haven't notified the players yet. I think I have to wait a little longer and make a decision," Lee said. Kim Do-hyun and Hwang Dong-ha pitched in two practice games each in Okinawa, and allowed no runs in five innings. Notably, they played as starting pitchers (Kim Do-hyun) and second pitchers (Hwang Dong-ha) in a practice game against the LG Twins on June 28, allowing one hit and no run in three innings and one hit in two innings. Kim Do-hyun pitched a fastball of 146 kilometers per hour, while Hwang Dong-ha mixed a slider and a fork ball to steal the hitting timing. As they appeal with their different charms, Lee Bum-ho is also agonizing.

Given the current atmosphere, chances are high that a player who has been pushed back in the race for the fifth starting pitcher will move to the bullpen and take over the long relief role. The rotation of the starting pitcher and the composition of the bullpen can be changed depending on the decision. "It is important which player to select as the fifth starting pitcher. It is also very important where and in what position a player will be assigned to a good position," Lee said, expressing concern. "Both the batters and the defense are the batters, everything needs to be well-equipped. While preparing for the season, I will try to take care of what I lack in exhibition games. If I am prepared well like that, I think I will be able to have a better season."

Meanwhile, Kia's team arrived in Korea on the day and will move to Busan on July 7 and play an exhibition game against the Lotte Giants on August 8. "We prepared well," Lee said. "We finished the camp as we had hoped without any injuries. The players are very prepared and determined. Last year (when we won the combined championship) was last year, and this season I have the goal of producing a performance suitable for this season. I will do my best with one determination."