*This content was translated by AI.
'8 billion won catcher' Yu Gangnam (34) was ultimately removed from the first division roster amid relentless slumps. His ultra-fast move to the minor league just two days after his return indicates the exclusion was due to performance issues rather than injury. Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung (59) also declined to specify a return date, stating they would review the situation after improvements are made.
Manager Kim Tae-hyung of Lotte met with reporters ahead of the SSG Landers game at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 16th, providing a detailed explanation of the background behind Yu Gangnam's removal. Manager Kim expressed deep regret, saying, "Yu Gangnam was getting out at the plate with the same pattern over and over."
Manager Kim further noted, "Opposing pitchers always start with changeups on the first and second pitches to build a count, but he misses all of them. He is swinging at all changeups as if they were fastballs. While he must be frustrated himself, he needs to get into a rhythm where he can finish the at-bat within three pitches, but that timing is completely off," he pointed out coldly.
The biggest cause identified was psychological 'anxiety.' Manager Kim analyzed, "He needs to get his hitting rhythm by consistently playing in games, but right now he shows no ability to cope with the opposing pitchers' pitch combinations. It seems his mind has become anxious, which is why the timing is even worse."
Yu Gangnam has suffered a severe slump in this season, batting .233 (24 hits in 103 at-bats) with 3 home runs and 7 RBIs in 45 games. He returned to the lineup on the 13th ahead of the Jamsil LG Twins game, starting as the catcher in the 8th spot, but went 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts. He also returned to the plate as a pinch-hitter on the 14th and struck out. During his 5 at-bats since returning, he recorded 0 hits and 3 strikeouts, failing to hit a single ball past the infield, indicating a complete collapse of his hitting balance.
There is no clear deadline or standard for a future call-up to the first division. When asked about specific criteria, Manager Kim stated, "There is no set standard; he needs to bounce back on his own," but added, "Ultimately, timing on the ball comes first. He is currently unable to cope at all. He needs to get back into the rhythm by consistently playing in games," suggesting that the adjustment period could be prolonged.
With Yu Gangnam's departure, Lotte plans to operate its home lineup with Son Seong-bin as the starting catcher for the foreseeable future. Park Geon-woo, who was converted from a developmental player to a regular player ahead of the game on the 16th, is expected to see playing time only in emergency situations.
The value of the 800th million won investment, made with the belief that he would reliably shoulder the duties of the starting catcher, has now become questionable. The final season of his contract is already passing. As Lotte's catcher position is forced into a generational shift, it remains to be seen whether Yu Gangnam can overcome his anxiety in the minor league and return to find his proper timing.
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*This content was translated by AI.
