Won Tae-in unexpectedly included in game-day roster → Manager Lee Beom-ho taken aback! "Surely he won't be used as the closer, right? If you have any information, please share it"

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News that Samsung Lions' "Ace with Blue Blood" Won Tae-in was removed from the non-game-day roster for Playoffs (PO) Game 1 left KIA Tigers Manager Lee Beom-ho wide-eyed, turning the interview room into a sea of laughter.

Ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO Postseason Playoffs Game 1 to be held on the 26th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) announced the non-game-day rosters for both teams: KIA's Yang Hyeon-jong and Oller, and Samsung's Hurado and Choi Won-tae. Won Tae-in, who was initially expected to be included in the Game 1 non-game-day roster as he was a strong candidate to start Game 3, had his name removed and was instead placed on the game-day standby list.

Manager Lee Beom-ho, who met with reporters at the venue before the game, initially took the news that Won Tae-in was not on the non-game-day roster as a matter of simple rest. However, when reporters pointed out that "Won Tae-in is included in the game-day roster rather than the non-game-day roster," he could not hide his momentary surprise.

Manager Lee Beom-ho, who broke into laughter, joked, "(I thought) Won Tae-in would be the starting pitcher for Game 3, so I didn't think he would pitch today," adding, "Of course, we list the Game 3 starter as a non-game-day player. We naturally assumed there was no situation where player Won Tae-in would appear in Game 1. Surely you aren't planning to use Won Tae-in as the closer today, are you?" The remark had the venue erupting in laughter.

He then shared his characteristic calculations regarding the opponent's unconventional pitching strategy. Manager Lee said, "If they do that, and if we think they are focusing on Game 4, we could have them pitch in Game 1; if they say they will use him in Game 4, I don't think it would be a bad thing," while noting, "I am not sure what kind of thoughts Manager Park Jin-man (of Samsung) has. It seems they listed the non-game-day players due to considerations such as starting pitchers for Game 3 or Game 4."

Manager Lee concluded the interview with his characteristic cheerful wit, maintaining composure until the very end. Smiling, he said, "I hope he doesn't pitch, I really hope he doesn't pitch…" and added, "If he does end up pitching, we will think of another plan as the game progresses."

Even as he left after finishing the official interview, he turned to the reporters and added, "If you have any information, please tell us," once again turning the press conference room into a sea of laughter.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original