'Recent 10-game batting average 0.138' KIA's Dale, 'finally' removed from 1st division! Is it a reorganization or a replacement? → Samsung's Lee Seong-gyu also sent to 2nd division

*This content was translated by AI.

KIA Tigers are facing deepening concerns. Jared Dale (26), an Asian quota foreign infielder who had fallen into a severe batting slump, has finally been excluded from the 1st division roster.

The KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) announced the 1st division removal status on the 11th, a day without games. The most notable name was KIA infielder Dale. The KIA organization decided to remove Dale from the 1st division due to his prolonged batting slump and allow him time to regroup in the Futures League.

Dale's recent pace was nothing short of 'disastrous.' His batting average over the last 10 games had dropped to 0.138 (4 hits in 29 at-bats), frequently disrupting the team's offensive flow. The momentum of consecutive hits early in the season had vanished, and even his plate discipline wavered, failing to pose a threat to pitchers.

In a situation where the KIA offense as a whole was struggling, the 'silence' of the foreign hitter was painful. Manager Lee Beom-ho had consistently shown trust and waited for a rebound, but it is interpreted that he could no longer delay making a decision as the race for standings intensified.

Various interpretations are emerging regarding this removal. Is it a 'short-term prescription' to return after a 10-day break and adjustment, or a 'signal flare' for a replacement to strengthen the team?

If Dale does not show clear signs of a rebound even in the Futures League, KIA cannot rule out the possibility of making a bold replacement move to climb the standings.

Meanwhile, on this day, in addition to KIA's Dale, several key players from other teams were notified of being sent to the 2nd division. Samsung outfielder Lee Seong-gyu was removed. The cause is cited as a collapse in batting balance, with a recent 10-game batting average of 0.111 (1 hit in 9 at-bats). LG Twins outfielder Kim Ju-seong and KT Wiz pitcher Kim Jeong-won were also removed from the 1st division roster.

NC Dinos, which surrendered all three weekend series to Samsung Lions, chose a bold move to simultaneously exclude three players from the 1st division roster: pitchers Son Ju-hwan and Lee Jun-hyeok, and infielder Oh Tae-yang. Players to fill the resulting vacancies are scheduled to be registered ahead of the game on the 12th.

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*This content was translated by AI.