'Signing Procedure' Kiwoom's Davidson to Debut in July 4 Game vs. Doosan; Third Base Not Considered: "Hirata to Move Slightly Further into Outfield"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes has made a surprise signing of foreign hitter Matt Davidson (35), who was placed on waivers by NC Dinos, to bolster its lineup. Manager Seol Jong-jin (53) of Kiwoom also revealed plans for Davidson's future usage and his expected debut timing.

On the 29th, the Kiwoom organization officially announced, "We requested the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) to place foreign pitcher Nathan Wiles on waivers and simultaneously submitted a contract assignment application for foreign hitter Matt Davidson, who was placed on waivers by NC Dinos on the 27th." Davidson is scheduled to join the team on July 4 once administrative procedures are completed.

Manager Seol Jong-jin provided specific details on Davidson's intended role and future team management plans ahead of the LG Twins game to be held at Gocheok Sky Dome on the 30th.

Regarding Davidson's joining timeline, Manager Seol stated, "We can only announce the contract once the waiver claim period ends. For now, we plan for him to join on Saturday (July 4 vs. Doosan). You can consider that he will be ready to play starting from Saturday's game." On Davidson's current condition, he added, "We have heard that he is training individually in Korea. Since administrative procedures will continue until Friday, we will call him in on Saturday, greet him, and prepare to use him immediately in the game."

On the most closely watched issue of position assignment and defensive burden, Seol drew a firm line. When asked about the possibility of using Davidson at third base, Manager Seol firmly stated, "Third base is not even in my mind at this point."

He continued, "The purpose of signing Davidson is to strengthen our batting. We are considering only designated hitter or first base so that he can focus solely on hitting without adding defensive burden." Regarding adjustments with existing veteran resources, he said, "I think existing foreign hitter Keiston Hirata may move slightly further into the outfield," hinting at Hirata's potential shift to the outfield.

This signing was conducted urgently in conjunction with pitcher Wiles' physical condition. Manager Seol explained, "Our original direction was to observe Wiles a bit longer, and we intended to decide after watching him pitch in the previous game (Sunday the 28th). However, considering Wiles' physical condition and the state of his pitches, we judged that it might be difficult for him to continue through the second half." Coincidentally, Davidson was placed on waivers and became available on the market, prompting Kiwoom to move quickly.

The background that allowed for the bold decision to reduce one pitcher and add two hitters was a calculated plan for the starting rotation. Manager Seol said, "We are planning to finish the second half with a five-man starting rotation." He further announced, "We are preparing for the second half with five pitchers centered on Alcantara, including An Woo-jin, Ha Young-min, Bae Dong-hyun, and Park Jun-hyun."

Meanwhile, Kiwoom set its starting lineup against LG's starting pitcher Tolhurst as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Choi Jae-hyun (center fielder), Ahn Chi-hong (first baseman), Hirata (left fielder), Kim Geon-hee (second baseman), Kim Woong-bin (designated hitter), Park Chan-hyuk (right fielder), Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop), and Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman). Kiwoom's starting pitcher is An Woo-jin.

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

*This content was translated by AI.