▲ Lotte Manager Kim Tae-hyung
The Lotte Giants, currently on the verge of falling to the bottom of the KBO League standings, have replaced their first-team pitching coach again after just five days.
Lotte removed pitching coach Kim Hyun-wook from the roster today (June 8), which is a scheduled rest day for the team.
The Giants had previously called up Kim Hyun-wook, who was serving as the second-team pitching coach, and Dream Team battery coach Yong Deok-han to the first team on June 3, while removing pitching coach Kim Sang-jin and battery coach Baek Yong-hwan in an effort to refresh the team's atmosphere.
Lotte plans to call up coach Kim Sang-jin back to the first team on June 9.
The decision to change the pitching coach again in five days is related to the team's recent performance and overall atmosphere.
Lotte has struggled with a record of 3 wins and 10 losses, a winning percentage of .231, over their last 13 games since May 24.
Furthermore, since the coaching staff reshuffle, the team has recorded 1 win and 4 losses in their last 5 games, allowing the last-place Kiwoom Heroes to close the gap to 1.5 games.
Lotte also sent three players to the second team today: infielder Kim Min-sung, catcher Jeong Bo-geun, and pitcher Jeong Seong-jong.
Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung, who is one win away from reaching 800 career victories, will attempt to set the milestone again during the home game against the Doosan Bears at Sajik Baseball Stadium in Busan on June 9.
Meanwhile, Kiwoom removed veteran infielder An Chi-hong, outfielder Chu Jae-hyun, and catcher Park Seong-bin from the roster today.
The Kiwoom club stated, "An Chi-hong was diagnosed with tendinitis in his left hamstring following a medical examination today. It is not a major injury, but he will take a rest for the time being due to pain, and we plan to determine his return schedule after monitoring his progress."
An Chi-hong has performed well this season, batting .291 with 4 home runs and 24 RBIs in 57 games.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.