LG and Samsung Also See 'Foreign Players Returning Home'... Impact of 'COVID-19'

Ben Lively of the Samsung Lions. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Hee-eun Park] Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), not only the LG Twins but also the Samsung Lions are sending their foreign players back to their home countries after completing their spring camps in Japan.

On the 8th, Samsung announced, "Three foreign players?Ben Lively, David Buchanan, and Tyler Saladino?will depart for the United States via Narita Airport in Japan. Once the regular season schedule is finalized, they are expected to return to Korea two weeks before the season opener." This measure is intended to ensure the psychological stability of the foreign players.

Accordingly, the Samsung Lions team, which had been conducting their spring camp in Okinawa, Japan since January 30, initially extended their training camp from the 6th to the 15th. However, following the Japanese government's announcement to strengthen entry restrictions targeting Koreans and the successive suspension of flights between Korea and Japan, their return schedule was adjusted. On the 8th, the team was divided into two groups, each returning via Fukuoka and Miyazaki respectively, and arriving at Incheon Airport.

Meanwhile, earlier, the LG Twins' Tyler Wilson, Casey Kelly, and Roberto Ramos boarded flights back to their home countries. They plan to train near their alma maters or homes. They must return to the team within 48 hours before the confirmed regular season opener.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.