Lee Ui-ri returns to the first division after 47 days... KIA to maintain 'group closer' system for the time being [Incheon field report]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Ui-ri (24, KIA Tigers) has returned to the first division after 47 days. KIA will continue its 'group closer' system for the time being in the second half of the season.

On the 16th, ahead of the first game of the second half against SSG Landers at Incheon SSG Landers Field, KIA registered pitchers Ohl and Lee Ui-ri, along with Shirakawa and Eom Jun-hyeon, on its first division roster and removed Park Min.

KIA manager Lee Beom-ho met with reporters before the game and said regarding Lee Ui-ri: "Since Kim Tae-hyung is in the minor league, we needed a pitcher who could throw for an extended period." He added, "We considered whether it would be better to build up his stamina as a starter in the Futures League, but decided to bring him along with the first division team. We plan to have him pitch around 3–4 innings while monitoring his condition and when the score gap is large."

Lee Ui-ri recorded one win and six losses with an ERA of 9.42 in 10 games this season before being removed from the first division roster on May 30. He then went on a short-term study trip to a baseball training center in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. After returning, he appeared in a Futures League game against Ulsan Whales on the 6th and held them scoreless over four innings.

Meanwhile, manager Lee Beom-ho announced that he will continue the group closer system he has been using since the end of the first half for the time being. The manager said, "For now, we plan to start the second half in the same way." He added, "We view the 30th–40 games leading up to the Asian Games (late September) as decisive matches, so we will prepare to use our relief pitchers strategically and aim for as many wins as possible."

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*This content was translated by AI.