Kim Tae-hyung names Na Gyun-an 5th starter, prioritizing experience over MVP Park Jin

Manager Kim Tae-hyung of the Lotte Giants granted the 5th starting pitcher priority to Na Gyun-an.

Kim Tae-hyung explained key points to watch in the spring training game against the KIA Tigers on the 8th at Sajik Stadium in Busan. He also revealed his thoughts on the 5th starter position.

Lotte has confirmed Charlie Barnes, Tucker Davidson, Park Se-woong, and Kim Jin-wook as starters. The key is the 5th starter. Park Jin, Park Jun-woo, and Na Gyun-an are competing. In particular, Park Jin showed significant growth, even winning the MVP award of the spring camp.

However, Manager Kim Tae-hyung decided to give Na Gyun-an the opportunity as the 5th starter first. Kim stated, "We're going to start with Na Gyun-an as the 5th starter. Among the competitors, he has experience. He has prepared well. That’s why we decided to prioritize Na Gyun-an for the 5th starter position."

Of course, it's not completely finalized. Na Gyun-an cannot be complacent yet. This is due to the clear growth of Park Jin and Park Jun-woo. If Na Gyun-an fails to show stability in the spring games, the opportunity may return to Park Jin and Park Jun-woo. Kim Tae-hyung noted, "Park Jun-woo has improved, and I plan to check on him more closely."

Kim Tae-hyung told Na Gyun-an, "For now, you are the 5th starter," but Na Gyun-an, undeterred, stated, "I will be the 5th starter until the end," showing his determination.

Na Gyun-an recorded a performance of 4 wins and 7 losses with an earned run average of 8.51 over 73 innings in 26 games last year. He had personal controversies last year, and during the season, he was at the center of a drinking controversy the night before a starting appearance. Following the drinking controversy, he received a 30-game suspension from the club and a 40-hour community service penalty.

This year, he trained privately in Japan at his own expense during the off-season and was noted as one of the pitchers who prepared well during the spring camp.

Meanwhile, Lotte lined up the starting lineup with Hwang Seong-bin (center field), Yoon Dong-hee (right field), Son Ho-young (third base), RAY (left field), Na Seung-yeop (first base), Yoo Kang-nam (catcher), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Park Seung-wook (shortstop), and Jeon Min-jae (second base). The starting pitcher is Park Se-woong, who is expected to pitch around 3 innings before handing over to Tucker Davidson.

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