Reasons revealed for removing three Samsung pitchers from FA status: "Choi Won-tae, Kim Tae-hoon, and Lee Seung-hyun all showed signs of inflammation; no other abnormalities found"

*This content was translated by AI.

After suffering a shocking defeat due to a collapsed pitching mound, Samsung Lions revealed the exact physical condition of the three pitchers removed from the first-division roster on the 18th. This was not a disciplinary demotion due to poor performance, but a measure accompanied by injury treatment for player protection and management.

On the 19th, Samsung announced the results of detailed examinations for the three FA (free agent) pitchers who were removed. The club stated, "Choi Won-tae (29) and right-handed Lee Seung-hyun (35) showed no major abnormalities in their examinations," but added, "Lee Seung-hyun was found to have inflammation in his right elbow, and Choi Won-tae in his right shoulder. Both will take 3 to 5 days of rest for management purposes before proceeding with bullpen pitching."

Relief pitcher Kim Tae-hoon (34), who was also removed, could not avoid injury. The club reported, "Kim Tae-hoon was found to have inflammation in the medial deltoid ligament of his right ankle and the lateral calf. He will take three days of rest and undergo a re-evaluation of his condition."

Earlier, on the 18th, a day without games, Samsung made the decision to simultaneously remove three pitchers from the first-division roster: starting pitcher Choi Won-tae, Kim Tae-hoon, and right-handed Lee Seung-hyun. As all three were FA resources expected to play key roles on the team's mound, fans expressed significant regret and concern.

This roster overhaul was interpreted as a fallout from the 7-16 crushing defeat against KIA Tigers in a home game in Daegu on the 17th. At that time, Samsung allowed 19 hits in total, suffering the humiliation of a complete mound collapse.

In fact, there was a chance for a comeback until the middle of the game. Starting pitcher Choi Won-tae struggled in the first and second innings, allowing five runs, and gave up two more in the fourth, falling behind 1-7. However, the lineup showed focus in the bottom of the fifth, scoring five runs. They closed the gap to 6-7, just one run behind, and Miyazaki Yura had a strong start in the top of the fifth, seemingly shifting momentum in Samsung's favor.

However, the joy of a large scoring surge did not last. Kim Tae-hoon, who entered as a relief pitcher in the top of the sixth, was shaken after allowing a double to leadoff batter Park Min and a sacrifice hit to Park Jae-hyun. Right-handed Lee Seung-hyun, who then took the mound, also showed his worst form, compounded by an infield hit, an errant pitch, a sacrifice hit, and a right fielder's error. Unable to display his usual velocity due to his incomplete physical condition, he struggled significantly.

Ultimately, Lee Seung-hyun could not finish the inning, and Im Gi-young was called upon urgently. Kim Ho-ryeong's sacrifice fly brought in another runner, and Samsung allowed five runs in the sixth inning alone, completely collapsing. The mound was devastated, allowing as many as five hits to KIA rookie Park Jae-hyun alone. Samsung eventually fell on its knees with a nine-run deficit.

Consequently, the next day, Samsung's bench immediately ordered the three shaky pitchers to report to the minor league. While it initially appeared to be a simple move to revitalize the team's atmosphere, detailed examinations revealed that all three players had a clear injury reason: "signs of inflammation."

Fortunately, Choi Won-tae and Lee Seung-hyun are expected to proceed with their return process after rest, with no major abnormalities detected. However, their temporary absence from the lineup is now inevitable. As all three are key figures in the pitching staff, attention is focused on how Samsung will overcome this adversity.

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

*This content was translated by AI.