*This content was translated by AI.View Original
The early debut of James Neill (KIA Tigers), and the role reassignment of Won Tae-in (Samsung Lions).
Due to the nature of a short series, one cannot simply operate according to standard procedures, but these are also risky moves that could deal a fatal blow to the entire series. Nevertheless, there are situations where one has no choice but to make such decisions. KIA and Samsung face a crossroads regarding the risky moves they wish to avoid as they head into Game 3.
KIA and Samsung will play Game 3 of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO Postseason Playoffs (PO, best-of-five series) at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field at 6:30 p.m. on the 29th.
For both teams, who tied the series at one win and one loss in Daegu before moving to Gwangju, Game 3 is a crucial battle.
Although KIA entered the postseason as the third seed, they secured a three-game sweep in the semi-playoffs and took a five-day rest. By winning Game 1, KIA has captured a 77.1% probability of advancing to the Korea Series.
However, starting pitcher James Neill delivered a perfect performance for 4⅓ innings but was forced off the mound early due to a headshot ejection after throwing only 57 pitches. In Game 2, starter Adam Ottavino also failed to last through the fifth inning and was removed, increasing the fatigue level of the bullpen.
In this situation, if KIA loses Game 3, Neill would be in a position to start again after three days of rest. Manager Lee Beom-ho said ahead of Game 2, "Since Neill pitched even though he could have gone for five innings, we should assume he will pitch at least five innings. We are considering that aspect." He added, "What is better and how to proceed with the next step depends on how today's game (Game 2) goes. I will think about whether to make changes or follow the rules after today's game ends."
If KIA also concedes Game 3, they will be backed into a corner and are highly likely to prepare Neill in some form for Game 4. Whether he starts or is prepared to step in immediately if Yang Hyeon-jong falters, the team will make arrangements accordingly.
Winning today and starting Yang Hyeon-jong in Game 4, while preparing Neill depending on the situation, is the best option. If KIA can win Game 4 while conserving Neill, he could rest for six days and start Game 1 of the Korea Series. After that, the rotation of Ottavino, Keigo Shirakawa, and Yang Hyeon-jong can proceed smoothly without strain.
The variable for Samsung is Won Tae-in. Won Tae-in stated that he had prepared for this series as a relief pitcher. Won Tae-in, who was on standby in the bullpen for Game 1, took the mound to close out the game even when his team led by five runs in Game 2.
After the game, Manager Park Jin-man said, "We had been preparing beforehand to secure a definitive win in Game 2 and approach Game 3." He added, "If the lead had been more than five runs, we would not have used him, but since it was within five runs, we did. We also started him because he has not played many games recently. We will decide whether Won Tae-in starts after Game 3 ends. He can continue to pitch out of the bullpen as well."
The best scenario for Samsung is winning Game 3 while conserving Won Tae-in. His outing in Game 2 could be viewed as a bullpen session ahead of a start, but if he pitches today, it becomes impossible for him to start Game 4.
If Samsung wins Game 3 and then utilizes Won Tae-in to secure a win in Game 4, they can restart the starting rotation from the number one spot in the Korea Series, which begins after two days of rest. However, if today's game turns into a tight contest, Won Tae-in may be forced to pitch even in a trailing situation.
For both teams, the worst-case scenario is extending the series to Game 5. In that case, the rotation will inevitably become disrupted. Having to face the Korea Series with physical fatigue and rotational disadvantages, their chances of winning the championship would inevitably decrease. Both teams need to win Game 3 first, ideally by a comfortable margin.
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*This content was translated by AI.View Original
