"The starters are pitching well → (Players under suspension) will be fine enough when they return." Kim Tae-hyung activates the 'hope circuit' with a 'complete' lineup

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Tae-hyung (59), manager of the Lotte Giants, who remain in last place (10th) in the 2026 KBO League season, is activating a 'hope circuit' for a turnaround. With the starting rotation now somewhat stabilized and key position players scheduled to return in May, he expressed a degree of confidence in the team's performance rebound.

Ahead of the home game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium on the 28th, Manager Kim Tae-hyung met with reporters to discuss the current team situation and future operational plans.

Despite the team's recent struggles in the standings, Manager Kim gave the starting pitchers a passing grade. He stated, "The starters are really pitching well," but added, "It will still be tough. If the score gap widens a bit, adjusting the intensity will become easier, and managing the game will also be more comfortable. Tight games will inevitably be difficult."

Manager Kim Tae-hyung further emphasized, "As long as the starters hold firm, it will be more than enough. If the starting rotation collapses, there's no solution, but if they continue as they are now, there is a chance." This statement is interpreted as reflecting his confidence in operating games more strategically now that starting pitching has become established.

In fact, as of the conclusion of the game on the 28th, Lotte's starting rotation ERA for this season stands at 3.46, ranking first among all 10 teams. With two foreign starters, Alvin Rodriguez and Jeremy Wisely, firmly in place, and domestic pitchers Park Se-woong, Na Kyun-an, and left-handed pitcher Kim Jin-wook (the fifth starter) newly added, the team has constructed a stable rotation.

In this context, the return date for 'reinforcements' to resolve the lineup's hitting concerns has also been confirmed. Manager Kim plans to have Go Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Se-min (all suspended for 30 games) join the first team immediately after their suspensions are lifted, excluding Kim Dong-hyuk, who received a 50-game suspension after visiting a gambling venue during the spring training camp in Taiwan.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung declared, "We have recently concluded interviews with these players. Once the suspension period ends, they will be promoted immediately." Assuming no schedule disruptions such as rain cancellations, they are expected to make an immediate return to the first-team roster starting from the KT Wiz game in Suwon on May 5, bolstering Lotte's batting lineup.

With the combination of the strongest starting rotation and the return of key batters, fans are closely watching whether Manager Kim Tae-hyung's optimistic calculations will enable Lotte to turn the 'hope circuit' into reality in May.

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*This content was translated by AI.