'Four-peat to last place' crisis for NC: Another blow arrives... Lim Jung-ho removed from first-division roster "Elbow pain, recovery expected to take more than two weeks" [Suwon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Another blow has struck NC Dinos, which has fallen to last place following a four-game losing streak. Left-handed relief pitcher Lim Jung-ho (36) has developed an issue with his elbow.

Lim Jung-ho was removed from the first-division roster ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League away game against KT Wiz, scheduled to be held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 23rd.

NC manager Lee Ho-jun (50) told reporters before the game, "Lim Jong-ho was scheduled to pitch in the eighth or ninth inning yesterday, but he developed a slight problem in his elbow while warming up."

The club explained, "Lim Jung-ho was removed due to stiffness in the left elbow's medial flexor muscles during bullpen pitching yesterday. He received medical treatment at a hospital today, and recovery is expected to take more than two weeks."

The loss of this valuable left-handed relief resource is particularly painful. His performance this season, in 15 games over 9⅓ innings, saw no wins or losses, one hold, and an ERA of 6.75, which is somewhat disappointing. However, with Kim Young-gyu being the only exception, the team faces a scarcity of usable left-handed resources, making this a bitter outcome.

Ryu Jin-wook (30), who served as the closer last year and recorded 29 saves, has also been sent to the minor league after a slump. In 19 games this season, he pitched 16⅓ innings, recording one win, four losses, and three saves, with an ERA of 8.82. His batting average against was 0.309, and his walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) reached 1.71.

Manager Lee stated, "(Ryu) Jin-wook has been throwing many balls that lack control recently, so we sent him to the minor league to give him a chance to focus on finding his target."

He continued, "There have been many years where we started poorly in the early season, but this year we are going a bit longer. We decided to change the closer and let him pitch more comfortably, but while his velocity is fine, his control has been inconsistent, and these issues have persisted. We thought it would be better for him to step down and take some time. We are anxious, but we cannot keep doing this. We believe it is best for him to return in good shape."

The bullpen composition is a concern. Manager Lee explained, "Kim Young-gyu, Kim Jin-ho, Bae Jae-hwan, and Lim Jimin will be the top four priority. After them, we plan to use Son Ju-hwan and Shin Young-woo, who were called up today, in slightly more comfortable situations rather than in extremely close games."

The team is now on a four-game losing streak. With ace Koo Chang-mo scheduled to start, escaping the losing streak is urgent. Manager Lee said, "We aim to win every day, but it doesn't always go as planned. However, what is certain is that the overall atmosphere yesterday was not bad. Even though the team has fallen to the lowest point, the players showed a fighting spirit. Although we lost, the staff and front office were also in a positive atmosphere during the game. If that kind of atmosphere continues, we believe we will certainly have a chance to win consecutive games."

NC lined up with Kim Ju-won (shortstop), Han Seok-hyun (center fielder), Park Min-woo (second baseman), Park Geon-woo (right fielder), Matt Davidson (first baseman), Kwon Hee-dong (left fielder), Kim Hyung-jun (catcher), and Do Tae-hoon (third baseman) in that order.

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

*This content was translated by AI.