Samsung, Kang Min-ho suddenly removed: "No special injury issues." Kim Jin-wook also excluded from starting lineup once → joins first division team

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants left-handed pitcher Kim Jin-wook (24) and Samsung Lions veteran catcher Kang Min-ho (41) have been removed from the first division roster. Fortunately, it has been confirmed that neither player is suffering from an injury setback that would concern fans.

The KBO (Korea Baseball Organization) announced changes to each team's first division roster via its official website on the 3rd, a day without games. According to the announcement, Samsung removed catcher Kang Min-ho and outfielder Kim Heon-gon from the roster. LG Twins excluded catcher Kim Min-su and pitcher Kim Yun-sik from the first division. Additionally, NC Dinos infielder Do Tae-hoon and Doosan Bears pitcher Kim Han-jung were also removed from their respective first division rosters. Lotte removed Kim Jin-wook from its roster.

The name of national team left-handed pitcher Kim Jin-wook stands out. Kim Jin-wook recorded 5 wins, 5 losses, and an ERA of 3.13 in 19 games this season. Aside from being excluded from the first division roster on June 17, he had consistently started in the rotation, but this marks his second removal this season. In recent appearances, he was unable to pitch beyond five innings due to recurring hamstring cramps on both sides.

Fortunately, it has been confirmed that there is no serious injury. According to Lotte's club, after undergoing recent medical examinations and additional cross-checks, Kim Jin-wook received a diagnosis indicating no abnormalities in either hamstring. This roster removal was not due to injury but was decided as part of managing his physical condition during the first half of the season through rest and workload distribution. Although excluded from the official roster, Kim Jin-wook will continue to travel with the team at the first division level to take time for recovery and preparation.

Following Kim Jin-wook, Kang Min-ho's removal also made significant news. Kang Min-ho, who has played in 72 games this season with a batting average of .272 (53 hits in 195 at-bats), 7 home runs, and 42 RBIs, started as the cleanup hitter and catcher in the previous game on the 2nd against Lotte at Sajik Stadium. He went hitless in two at-bats before being substituted by Kim Do-hwan at the start of the bottom of the fifth inning. A Samsung club official responded to StarNews' inquiry about Kang Min-ho's removal from the first division roster, stating only that "there are no injuries or special issues." It appears this was a rest-related decision.

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*This content was translated by AI.