KIA, ahead of Hanwha match, 'new face' Ji-hyun's surprise call-up to the first division. Who is it? Lee Beom-ho expresses high expectations: "A pitcher who can eat up innings" [Daejeon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Will the KIA Tigers secure a winning series in their match against the Hanwha Eagles? They have made changes to their first division roster.

KIA will face Hanwha in a 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season away game at Daejeon Hanwha Life Bulls Park on the 10th.

KIA has been on a winning streak, recording four wins and one loss in their last five games. With 33 wins, one draw, and 27 losses, they currently hold fourth place in the league. After defeating Hanwha 6-4 the previous day (the 9th), a win today would secure a winning series for KIA.

For today's game, KIA set their starting lineup as follows: Park Jae-hyun (left fielder), Kim Min-gyu (center fielder), Kim Do-young (designated hitter), Na Sung-beom (right fielder), Aderlin (first baseman), Kim Kyu-seong (second baseman), Byun Woo-hyeok (third baseman), Kim Tae-gun (catcher), and Park Min (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Shirakawa.

Shirakawa joined KIA mid-season as an Asia quota foreign pitcher, recording one win with no losses and an ERA of 0.00. On the 4th, he delivered a scoreless performance against the Lotte Giants, pitching five innings while allowing four hits, two walks, and striking out four batters.

KIA made changes to their first division roster today. Instead of removing pitcher Hwang Dong-ha from the roster, they registered right-handed rookie pitcher Ji-hyun for the season.

Ji-hyun, who graduated from Dongmak Elementary School, Incheon Yeonsu Middle School, and Jeomulpo High School, was selected by KIA in the sixth round, 60th overall, in the 2026 Rookie Draft. His signing bonus was 60 million won.

In this year's Futures League, he started in all 11 games, finishing with five losses and no wins, posting an ERA of 4.56. Over a total of 53⅓ innings, he allowed 60 hits (including two home runs), recorded 31 strikeouts, issued 14 walks, hit 11 batters, and surrendered 30 runs (27 earned runs).

Before the game, KIA manager Lee Beom-ho commented on Ji-hyun: "He has handled innings well in the Futures League, and reports indicate he is doing fine among the younger players. There are many pitchers who can throw one inning now, but we needed someone who can eat up more innings. He is reportedly in good condition, so we have high expectations."

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*This content was translated by AI.