Why has KIA's Yang Hyeon-jong disappeared from the postseason? A 'mystery' → Zero appearances since the semi-playoffs... Manager reveals directly [PO3 On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

One more loss and it is over. Cornered, the KIA Tigers are launching a counterattack led by their foreign ace James Neal. Additionally, veteran pitcher Yang Hyeon-jong, who can be called the heart of the KIA Tigers, is on standby.

On the 29th, KIA lost 4-6 to the Samsung Lions in Game 3 of the 2026 Shinhan KBO Postseason Playoffs (best-of-five series) held at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field.

KIA had successfully taken the early lead by winning Game 1 of the playoffs 5-1, but after losing Game 2 3-8, they moved from Daegu to Gwangju.

And by dropping Game 3 as well, they fell into a two-game losing streak. Now, if KIA adds one more loss, they will be eliminated immediately. They have taken on the burden of needing to win both remaining games.

KIA will play Samsung in Game 4 of the playoffs at the same venue at 6:30 p.m. on the 30th.

For Game 4, KIA announced Neal and Samsung announced Felix as their respective starting pitchers.

After the game, Manager Lee Beom-ho opened by saying, "It seems we lost unfortunately," before adding, "We hit home runs while chasing, and then when we caught up, we hit more home runs, so it seems we played a difficult game. Tomorrow, we will prepare well to play a game where we can win."

Regarding the decision to start Neal in Game 4, he expressed confidence, saying, "In Game 1, his pitch count was only 57 pitches. This could be the final game. There is no need to consider what situation might arise. If our best pitcher can go out, naturally he should. I think it is the best choice for the team's victory that Neal pitches first."

KIA has not yet had Yang Hyeon-jong appear in a single game since the semi-playoffs. It is worthy of being called a mystery. There was a situation where he could have appeared from the bullpen, like Samsung's Won Tae-in, but he is currently in a state of complete rest.

In fact, it was difficult for Yang Hyeon-jong to get an appearance opportunity in the semi-playoffs. This was because Neal in Game 1 against the LG Twins, Adam Ottavino in Game 2, and Shirakawa in Game 3 all showed exceptionally good pitching performances. Ultimately, with a series record of three wins and no losses in the semi-playoffs, they advanced to the playoffs stage, and the opportunity did not come for Yang Hyeon-jong, who is the fourth starter.

In the playoffs as well, Neal, Ottavino, and Shirakawa have taken turns pitching, just as they did in the semi-playoffs.

The manager explained regarding Yang Hyeon-jong, "Naturally, if we had won today, we could have considered another option for the Game 4 starter, but at this point, it is not a first priority that Yang Hyeon-jong pitches; what is most important is how to create the probability of the team winning. We made choices suited to the situation to create a winning probability, so it turned out that way. Since Neal's pitch count is not high, I think it is right for Neal to go first at this point."

He continued, "In Game 4, we will prepare all players. I did consider which pitcher to start first between Yang Hyeon-jong and Neal. Still, if Neal pulls us along well in the early innings, I think there is a chance of winning in the mid-to-late innings battle. I think it is better to go with Neal first tomorrow," expressing his intention to fight with full force.

On this day, leadoff hitter Park Jae-hyun and Kim Ho-ryeong, who was placed in the second batting order, both went 0-for-4. Manager Lee said, "When playing such big games, players in good condition continue to connect. However, I think players not in good condition can have a difficult game." He added, "I am trying to think about how to arrange the lineup for Game 4. First, this could be our final game. Therefore, we need to check the data that allows us to play the most probable baseball and arrange the batting order accordingly."

Finally, Manager Lee said, "It would be best if the starting pitchers pitch long, but due to circumstances, they have come down early so far. In such cases, it is baseball that we must utilize our bullpen pitchers as much as possible to prevent runs in some way. And we must score to win; that is baseball." He conveyed his hopes by adding, "We are preparing while using all players who can be used. The players would have fully anticipated this level of bullpen consumption. The remaining games will be difficult and a longer battle. I think the pitchers will prepare well. Also, if the batters exert more offensive power, I believe our pitchers can go through with minimal innings. I hope the batters strive even harder."

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original