KIA Removes Hong Gunhee Due to Injury... Faces Setback Ahead of Ninth Straight Win Challenge
by Min Hyunki
Published 18 Apr.2026 18:04(KST)
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The KIA Tigers, who are on a remarkable eight-game winning streak, have encountered an unexpected setback with a key bullpen pitcher, Hong Gunhee, suffering an injury.
On April 18, ahead of their '2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League' game against the Doosan Bears at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul, KIA removed pitcher Hong Gunhee and infielder Park Sangjun from their first-team roster. Instead, they called up pitcher Kim Geonguk and infielder Lee Hoyeon.
Hong Gunhee's departure was unforeseen. On April 16, he contributed to the team's victory by pitching a scoreless inning against Kiwoom in Gwangju, but complained of shoulder pain after the game. On April 17, a detailed medical examination revealed damage to the right supraspinatus muscle in his shoulder. The club stated, "We plan to conduct a follow-up examination in four weeks."
This is especially disappointing as Hong Gunhee, having returned to his original team KIA, was seeking to restore his reputation. After last season, he entered the market by opting out but struggled to find a new team due to injury concerns. He eventually signed a one-year short-term contract with KIA. Since joining the first team, he pitched in three games without allowing a run, boosting the team's momentum, but now, just ten days after his return, he is once again sidelined.
KIA manager Lee Beomho expressed his regret, saying, "Gunhee was trying to pitch well after returning to the team, but it seems he overexerted himself." Currently, KIA is feeling the absence of closer Jung Haeyoung and setup man Jeon Sanghyun, who are both out due to poor performance and injury, making Hong Gunhee's absence even more significant.
Meanwhile, as KIA aims for a ninth consecutive win, their lineup for the day is Jared Dale (shortstop), Kim Horyeong (center fielder), Kim Doyoung (third baseman), Harold Castro (left fielder), Na Seongbeom (designated hitter), Han Junsu (catcher), Park Min (second baseman), Kim Gyuseong (first baseman), and Park Jaehyun (right fielder). Adam Oller will take the mound as the starting pitcher.
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