'This can't be happening' — KIA on high alert as they face a 'completely new type' of pitcher; opposing manager says, "It made me laugh," as expectations soar

*This content was translated by AI.

The KIA Tigers, riding a wave of momentum after wrapping up a midweek three-game series against the 'league-leading' LG Twins with a 2-1 winning streak, now face the 'second-place' KT Wiz. Can KIA continue their upward trajectory? However, a tense situation has arisen: they will face a pitcher making his first appearance since returning to the KBO League. And this pitcher is no ordinary case. He has returned as a completely different type of pitcher. The man in question is Logan Allen (29), KT Wiz's replacement foreign pitcher.

KIA will play a three-game weekend series against KT from the 19th to the 21st at Suwon KT Wiz Park.

In the final game of the three-game series on the 21st, KT will start Logan. KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol, speaking ahead of the away game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium on the 18th, explained, "Logan will pitch on the 21st. We initially had the 20th in mind, but since Ko Young-pyo threw over 100 pitches on the 16th, we will go with a six-man rotation this week."

Logan joined KT as a replacement for foreign pitcher Caleb Boshley, who was sidelined due to a shoulder injury. He signed a contract for a total of $125,000 over six weeks (approximately 190 million won).

Logan has prior experience in the KBO League. Last season, he appeared in 32 games for the NC Dinos, posting a record of 7 wins, 12 losses, an ERA of 4.53, and 149 strikeouts. After the 2025 season concluded, he signed a minor league contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Before joining KT this season, he played for the Oklahoma City Comets, the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate, appearing in 12 games (11 starts) with a record of 2 wins, 4 losses, and an ERA of 6.08.

On the 18th, Logan conducted bullpen pitching at Jamsil Stadium to check his condition. Manager Lee, who also serves as the team's commander, watched the bullpen session personally and did not hold back his praise.

A "pitching expert" himself, Manager Lee said, "When I told Logan he looked different from last season, he replied, 'I've completely changed.' He said everything has changed for the better. Watching him pitch, it looks great. It feels good to see him throw like that. He's raising my expectations for no reason." He added with a bright smile, "He has a cutter, curveball, and slider. Watching him, it made me laugh. It's fine." He expressed high expectations.

Logan also showed confidence. He stated, "I didn't achieve good results against KIA last season (2 wins, 2 losses, ERA 5.46). KIA batters probably remember my performance from last season. However, everything is completely different now. I think KIA players will feel like they are facing a new foreign pitcher. I will show my best by maximizing my strengths. Moreover, I have reliable teammates behind me who will support me. I have no worries." He spoke confidently.

Will Logan truly live up to the manager's expectations? Fans of the KBO League are already turning their attention toward Suwon.

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*This content was translated by AI.