KIA Manager Lee Beom-ho Laughs Off Won Tae-in Roster Surprise

Samsung Lions pitcher Won Tae-in was unexpectedly left off the non-game-day roster and placed on the active game-day standby list ahead of the 2026 KBO Postseason Playoffs Game 1 on October 26, 2026, at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, starnewskorea.com reported.

Won Tae-in off the non-game-day roster

The Korea Baseball Organization announced the non-game-day rosters for both competing teams prior to the opening postseason matchup at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. KIA Tigers players Yang Hyeon-jong and Oller joined Samsung Lions pitchers Hurado and Choi Won-tae on the non-game-day list. Won Tae-in, widely anticipated to feature as a strong candidate to start Game 3, was omitted entirely from that group and placed instead on the game-day standby list, according to starnewskorea.com.

Manager Lee Beom-ho responds to the roster surprise

KIA Tigers Manager Lee Beom-ho initially viewed the omission as standard rest for the Samsung ace before reporters informed him of the actual roster placement. The revelation prompted immediate laughter in the interview room.

(I thought) Won Tae-in would be the starting pitcher for Game 3, so I didn’t think he would pitch today, Manager Lee Beom-ho

starnewskorea.com reported.

Manager Lee continued his remarks by questioning the unconventional tactical approach by Samsung.

Of course, we list the Game 3 starter as a non-game-day player. We naturally assumed there was no situation where player Won Tae-in would appear in Game 1. Surely you aren’t planning to use Won Tae-in as the closer today, are you? Manager Lee Beom-ho

starnewskorea.com reported.

Evaluating opponent pitching strategies

Manager Lee addressed how the surprise roster decision impacts tactical planning for the series. starnewskorea.com reported that the KIA manager outlined two distinct possibilities regarding Samsung’s bullpen utilization.

If they do that, and if we think they are focusing on Game 4, we could have them pitch in Game 1; if they say they will use him in Game 4, I don’t think it would be a bad thing, Manager Lee Beom-ho

starnewskorea.com reported. He noted uncertainty regarding Samsung Manager Park Jin-man’s exact intentions for the pitching staff.

Rain cancellation postpones Game 1

Persistent rain forced the cancellation of the initial October 25, 2026, postseason meeting between Samsung and KIA at Daegu Samsung Lions Park before the game was successfully rescheduled and played on October 26, 2026, starnewskorea.com reported. Manager Lee concluded his pre-game media session by reiterating his hope that the opposing pitcher would remain on the bench.

I hope he doesn’t pitch, I really hope he doesn’t pitch… If he does end up pitching, we will think of another plan as the game progresses. Manager Lee Beom-ho

starnewskorea.com reported.