KT’s Kang Baek-ho returns to the first team after more than a month… but strikes out as a pinch-hitter
KT’s Kang Baek-ho (23) made his first appearance in the first team in more than a month.
KT added Kang Baek-ho to the first team roster ahead of the Kiwoom Heroes game at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on Nov. 11, marking his 32nd day in the first team since Nov. 9, when he was suspended from the first team due to physical and mental fatigue.
Kang Baek-ho, who was initially expected to return to the first team after the end of the first half, brought his return forward as the rainy season front that swept across the country made it difficult for the Futures (second team) League to be played normally. KT manager Lee Kang-cheol said, “For now, he’ll be a substitute. I think I’ll have to see how I feel to start in the first half. Even if he goes out, he will be a designated hitter.”
Kang Baek-ho is batting .276 with five home runs and 29 RBIs in 49 games this season. Along with Kang Baek-ho, KT added right-handed pitcher Kim Min and catcher Kim Jun-tae to the first team, while releasing right-handed pitcher Yoo Yeo-seong, right-handed submarine pitcher Lee Sun-woo and infielder Lee Sang-ho.