'Illegal gambling → 30-game suspension': The trio returns, joining on the 4th, registration scheduled for the 5th... Can they save the 'last-place' Lotte? [Incheon field report]

*This content was translated by AI.

The controversial trio is returning. With the season approaching, the return of the Lotte Giants trio, who had been suspended and sent away for overseas illegal gambling prior to the season, is imminent.

Kim Tae-hyung (59), Lotte manager, met with reporters on the 3rd at the Incheon SSG Landers field ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away game against SSG Landers, stating, "The players will join us on the 5th. They are scheduled to report tomorrow."

The incident erupted in February. While participating in the first spring camp in Tainan, Taiwan, Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, Kim Se-min, and Kim Dong-hyeok played electronic betting games at a gambling arcade near their accommodation. The fact was revealed through an online community, sparking controversy.

After confirming the facts, the club voluntarily reported the matter to the KBO Clean Baseball Center. The KBO stated, "This occurred despite multiple warnings given prior to the camp regarding the use of casinos and gambling establishments, making severe punishment inevitable." Consequently, Kim Dong-hyeok, who visited three times, received a 50-game suspension, while Ko Seung-min, Na Seung-yeop, and Kim Se-min were each suspended for 30 games.

Lotte plays its 30th game of the season on this day. With a record of 11 wins, 17 losses, and 1 tie, they are in last place. With only a 2.5-game gap behind the fifth-place KIA Tigers, they are determined to quickly reverse the mood and gain momentum.

It is even more fortunate that they have already started a three-game winning streak, somewhat changing the atmosphere. Manager Kim said, "It would be less burdensome if they return when other players are performing well," and added, "It is too early to discuss positions or the batting order. Ko Seung-min batted second last year, so we are considering placing him at the top. Na Seung-yeop is also a player who must bat in the middle of the lineup. We are thinking about the specific batting order."

Ko Seung-min and Na Seung-yeop are key resources responsible for the team's infield. Lotte is currently ranked ninth in batting average at 0.251, and expectations are high for whether their return will create a synergy effect.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.