[Official] 'Underdog LG Goes All-Out': 31-Save Closer Son Ju-young Makes Surprise Return for Semi-Playoffs! 'Injured but Fighting' Oh Ji-hwan and Shin Min-jae Also Survive... KIA Fields All 14 Pitchers, Including Kim Beom-su

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The LG Twins, who have shifted from defending champions to underdogs, have gained a significant boost ahead of the semi-playoffs. Son Ju-young (28), the closer with 31 saves who did not participate in the Wild Card Series, has returned. Injured starting shortstop Oh Ji-hwan (36) and Golden Glove second baseman Shin Min-jae (30) have also remained on the roster. The KIA Tigers, who finished third in the regular season, are also preparing for an all-out effort with 14 pitchers, including Kim Beom-su (31).

The Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) officially announced the rosters for the semi-playoffs (best-of-five series) between KIA and LG in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason on the 16th.

Third-place KIA advanced to the postseason with a record of 79 wins, 3 draws, and 62 losses, while fourth-place LG qualified with 78 wins, 1 draw, and 65 losses. LG secured their spot in the semi-playoffs by defeating the Doosan Bears 4-1 in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series on the 14th. The two teams will face off in Game 1 at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field at 2 p.m. on the 17th.

The most notable change for LG is Son Ju-young's return. Having registered 13 pitchers and 7 infielders during the Wild Card Series, LG replaced infielder Son Yong-jun (23) with Son Ju-young this time. The roster consists of 30 players: 14 pitchers, 2 catchers, 6 infielders, and 8 outfielders.

Son Ju-young recorded a 1-2 record, 31 saves, and a 3.22 ERA in 47 games this season. After the departure of primary closer Yoo Young-chan (27), he took over the closing duties and ranked second in the league in saves. He also recorded 3 saves in 3 games against KIA. However, his ERA against them was 5.40, having allowed 2 runs in 3⅓ innings.

However, he was excluded from the Wild Card roster ahead of the postseason due to a herniated disc in the 6th and 7th cervical vertebrae. LG Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) stated on the 14th, "I received injection treatment, but the training staff said it would likely be difficult for the Wild Card Series," indicating that he would monitor the possibility of his return for the semi-playoffs.

In the game against Doosan without Son Ju-young, LG operated a collective closing system. Players such as John Kennedy (32) and Lee Woo-chan (34) prevented critical crises, but in the semi-playoffs, which can last up to five games, the burden on the bullpen is bound to increase. This is why Son Ju-young's return is welcome. However, being registered on the roster does not necessarily mean he is ready for normal pitching duties.

Both members of the injured starting keystone combination are also on the list. Oh Ji-hwan suffered a partial tear in the medial ligament of his left knee while running the bases during a game against KIA on the 5th. He recorded a .242 batting average (95 hits in 392 at-bats), 14 home runs, and 61 RBIs in 126 regular season games this year. Although he could not play in the Wild Card Series, he recently resumed batting practice, showing his determination to return.

Shin Min-jae also was replaced after clutching his left hamstring following a successful squeeze bunt in the game against Doosan on the 14th. His hitting performance this season was disappointing with a .251 batting average (100 hits in 399 at-bats), 26 RBIs, 55 runs scored, and 12 stolen bases in 138 games, but his stable defense and experience in big games remain important assets for LG. Fortunately, the club announced there were no major issues, and he accompanied the team on their trip to Gwangju.

KIA also countered by registering all its pitchers without exception. KIA's roster consists of 30 players: 14 pitchers, 3 catchers, 7 infielders, and 6 outfielders. The starting rotation includes James Neal (33), Adam Ottavino (32), Yang Hyeon-jong (38), and Lee Yi-ri (24).

Neal, who is expected to start Game 1, recorded a 13-7 record, a 3.49 ERA, and 156 strikeouts in 183 innings across 31 games this season. Ottavino also led the starting rotation with an 11-10 record, a 3.13 ERA, and 180 strikeouts in 178 innings over 30 games.

The bullpen includes Jung Hae-young (25), Jeon Sang-hyun (30), Jo Sang-woo (32), Gwak Do-gyu (22), and Kim Beom-su. In particular, Kim Beom-su appeared in 57 games this season, recording a 1-3 record, 1 save, 13 holds, and a 6.03 ERA. Attention is focused on what role the left-handed bullpen option will play in the semi-playoffs.

KIA also registered three catchers: Kim Tae-goon (37), Han Jun-su (27), and Joo Hyo-sang (29). This contrasts with LG, which has configured its catching corps with just two players: Park Dong-won (36) and Lee Ju-heon (23).

In the regular season head-to-head record, KIA leads 9-7. Notably, they have won their last seven meetings against LG. In the final game on the 12th, they defeated LG 4-2, powered by Kim Do-young's decisive two-run home run, to secure third place.

LG will field Anders Tolhurst (27) as the starting pitcher for Game 1, while KIA will send Neal to the mound. With Son Ju-young's return providing some relief, attention is turning to whether LG can break their losing streak against KIA, and whether KIA can extend its regular season dominance into the postseason.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original