[Breaking News] 'Lowest-ranked' Kiwoom faces massive setback! '2nd starter' foreign pitcher Wiles complains of shoulder discomfort, says "will be out for about 1–2 turns"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes, now mired in a five-game losing streak and ranked lowest, has suffered a massive setback. Wiles (28), the team's second starting pitcher, has been sidelined due to shoulder discomfort.

On the 19th, ahead of an away game against KT Wiz at Suwon KT Wiz Park in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League, Kiwoom announced that Wiles reported discomfort in his right shoulder while undergoing a physical check-up following the game on the 17th. He is scheduled to receive a medical examination at a hospital on the 20th, a day without a game. For now, outfielder Choo Jae-hyun will fill Wiles' spot.

For Kiwoom, currently stuck in a five-game losing streak with a record of 4 wins and 14 losses (winning percentage 0.222), this news comes as a devastating blow. With the team already struggling in performance, the loss of Wiles, a key pillar of the starting rotation, is expected to deal a critical blow to mound management. Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) explained that Wiles "will not be able to start in the next scheduled outing, so he has been removed from the roster."

According to manager Seol Jong-jin, Oh Seok-ju will start for Kiwoom on the 21st, and Kim Yeon-ju will take Wiles' turn. This is interpreted as a move to avoid having Raul Alcantara pitch twice in a week.

While the exact return date for Wiles will become clear following his medical examination results, the team is expected to proceed with caution given that the injury involves the shoulder, a highly sensitive area for pitchers.

Meanwhile, Kiwoom will counter the five-game losing streak by starting right-handed pitcher Ha Young-min. Facing KT's starter Ko Young-pyo, Kiwoom has set its starting lineup as follows: Ju Hyung (center field), Park Ju-hong (left field), An Chi-hong (second base), Brooks (first base), Choo Jae-hyun (right field), Choi Ju-hwan (designated hitter), Kim Dong-heon (catcher), Kim Ji-seok (third base), and Song Ji-hoo (shortstop).

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*This content was translated by AI.