Park Jin-man delivers 'substantial' message to Choi Won-tae amid 'six-run slump': "Must feel the crisis → Hope for a turnaround in the second half"

*This content was translated by AI.

As the first half of the 2026 KBO League season draws to a close, Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man (50) issued a sharp warning to right-handed starter Choi Won-tae (29), who made his scheduled start on the 4th but left a bitter impression with erratic control, urging him to awaken in the second half.

On the 5th, ahead of an away game against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field, manager Park Jin-man was asked about Choi Won-tae. He gave a stern evaluation of Choi, who struggled on the 4th against SSG with five innings, seven hits allowed (two home runs), three walks, and six earned runs. Although Choi secured the win thanks to offensive support that day, he showed significant instability early in the game.

Regarding Choi Won-tae, manager Park began by saying, "As I mentioned in the last game, it was Kang Min-ho who saved him," then added, "I've told you before even before being sent down to the minor leagues, but there's too much instability at the start of games," directly targeting his chronic early-inning control issues.

The manager continued, "Even though I've told the player he must recognize and correct this, nothing has changed." He expressed frustration, noting, "It's not just a matter of pitches coming close to the strike zone; the difference between balls and strikes is far too large. He's not competing against batters but fighting alone on the mound."

Park Jin-man's message appeared to go beyond mere disappointment, serving as a warning about strict position competition in the second half. Currently, the team has resources vying for rotation spots, including Kim Baek-san, who earned his debut victory with five and two-thirds scoreless innings against NC Dinos on the 2nd, and Jang Chan-hee, expected to return from injury in the second half.

Manager Park emphasized, "Now that the first half is over, you must make better adjustments in the second half so this doesn't happen again." He added, "If such a situation occurs again, I think you'll feel the crisis yourself. There are many starters currently waiting in the minor leagues," leaving a weighty warning.

Samsung plans to officially implement a 'five-man rotation' system starting in the second half. According to manager Park, Jang Chan-hee will be monitored in the Futures League from early in the second half and, upon return, may be used as a long reliever alternating between starting and bullpen roles. Kim Baek-san, who performed well as an emergency starter during the first half, will remain on standby to fill any rotation spot whenever disruptions like rain occur.

With Choi Won-tae now facing public concern from his manager, it remains uncertain whether he can erase the problems of the first half during the All-Star break and return in the second half as a completely different pitcher.

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*This content was translated by AI.