Ah! Samsung faces bad news: 'Veteran left-hander' Baek Jeong-hyun removed from roster due to arm discomfort → Yang Chang-seop unexpectedly called up

*This content was translated by AI.

Somewhat bad news has reached Samsung Lions. Veteran left-handed pitcher Baek Jeong-hyun (39) was removed from the roster due to discomfort in his arm. His spot will be filled by right-handed pitcher Yang Chang-seop (27), who is expected to be utilized as a long relief resource.

Park Jin-man, Samsung manager, met with reporters ahead of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' match against Kiwoom Heroes at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 6th. He stated, "Player Baek Jeong-hyun experienced some heaviness and discomfort in his arm, leading to his removal from the roster. Since it will be difficult for him to throw for a few days, this decision was made not for rest but to check his physical condition." After a ten-day period for recharging, his return date will be determined based on his future condition. A Samsung official explained regarding Baek Jeong-hyun's condition, "He is experiencing fatigue on the back of his arm, so he was removed from the roster to protect the player."

Baek Jeong-hyun has appeared in 13 games this season, recording 2 wins, no losses, 3 holds, and an ERA of 5.11. His last appearance was on the 2nd against Daegu Samsung. On the 2nd, Baek Jeong-hyun pitched ⅔ innings, allowing 3 hits, issuing 1 walk, and giving up 4 earned runs, which was not a good performance.

To fill Baek Jeong-hyun's vacancy, Samsung unexpectedly called up Yang Chang-seop. Yang has recorded 1 win, no losses, and an ERA of 7.07 in 5 games this season. His last appearance was on April 23 against SSG Landers, where he pitched ⅓ innings, allowing 2 hits (1 home run) and giving up 2 earned runs, which was not a good showing. He was then sent down to the Futures League (2nd division) for adjustment. However, due to Baek Jeong-hyun's injury, he was called back up to the first division.

Manager Park Jin-man selected Yang Chang-seop as the situation arose where Jang Chan-hee joined the starting rotation, creating a need for a long relief resource, and to prepare for games such as the one on the 10th against Jack O'Connell. Although O'Connell is scheduled to start twice a week, he threw 112 pitches in the match against Kiwoom on the 5th. Manager Park expressed his expectations, saying, "Player (Yang) Chang-seop will need to take on the long relief role."

Meanwhile, the return of starting shortstop Lee Jae-hyun, who is recovering from an injury, is becoming visible. Lee Jae-hyun, currently undergoing defensive training and indoor batting practice, is scheduled to participate in Futures League games this weekend to fine-tune his game readiness. Manager Park stated, "If he plays in the Futures League games this weekend and there are no issues with his physical condition, he could return to the first division as early as next week."

Additionally, regarding Kim Sang-jun (24), who recently transitioned from a developmental player to a regular player and made his first career start in the game on the 5th, Park said, "We called him up to strengthen defense, and he showed good form by making solid contact in batting as well," indicating his intention to use him at the shortstop position for the time being. Kim Sang-jun recorded his first hit in the Kiwoom match on the 5th, going 1-for-4 at the plate.

Meanwhile, on this day, Samsung arranged its batting order as follows: Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Koo Ja-wook (left fielder), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Diaz (first baseman), Park Seung-kyu (right fielder), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), Jeon Byeong-woo (third baseman), Kim Do-hwan (catcher), and Kim Sang-jun (shortstop). The starting pitcher is right-hander Choi Won-tae.

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*This content was translated by AI.