*This content was translated by AI.
'Catcher with an 8 billion won contract' Yu Gangnam (34, Lotte Giants) received notice to return to the minors just three days after being called up to the 1st division.
'The KBO released the list of players removed from each team's 1st division roster on the 15th, a day when no professional baseball games were held. Along with Yu Gangnam, Seo-joon Lee and Ho-jun Lee (Lotte), Kiwoom Heroes pitcher Seok-won Yoon and infielder Tae-jin Kim, and KT Wiz catcher Hyun-woo Kang, a total of six players were sent down to the minors.
'Yu Gangnam signed with Lotte for a four-year, 8 billion won deal after the 2023 season. He recorded a .261 batting average, 10 home runs, and 55 RBIs in his first season, but his performance has declined since then.
'Yu Gangnam, who suffered severe slumps with a .191 batting average in 2024, recorded a .274 batting average, 5 home runs, 38 RBIs, 35 runs scored, a .352 on-base percentage, a .383 slugging percentage, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.735 in 110 games last year.
'However, he has experienced ups and downs again this season. In 45 games, he has posted a .233 batting average, 3 home runs, 7 RBIs, 8 runs scored, and an OPS of 0.635, and has also lost his starting catcher position to Son Seong-bin.
'Yu Gangnam, who was first sent to the minors on the 3rd, returned exactly ten days later on the 13th to start against the LG Twins but was left with his head down after going 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts. He then appeared as a pinch-hitter in the 9th inning of the LG game on the 14th and struck out on just four pitches.
'With his contract expiring at the end of this season, he needed a rebound, but he was forced to hang his head again after receiving notice to return to the minors.
'The roster spot left vacant by Yu Gangnam's removal is expected to be filled by Dong-hee Han. Han, who had been sent to the minors due to injury, began playing again on the 13th and hit three hits in a game against the Army team on the 15th, signaling that he is well-prepared physically.
'In Kiwoom, Seok-won Yoon, who had reported discomfort in his left shoulder, was sent to the minors. He is scheduled to undergo additional medical examinations on the 16th.
'KT has excluded Hyun-woo Kang from the 1st division roster. It is expected that Hyun-min Ahn, last year's Rookie of the Year and Gold Glove outfielder, who has been playing in the Futures League and has completed his adjustment, will fill the spot.
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*This content was translated by AI.
