The top pitcher in the minors shrinks in the majors. Can Lotte find a substitute starter?

Kim Jin-wook has been one of the best pitchers in Lotte Giants' second team, but his form has faded whenever he steps up to the first team. Now, Lotte faces the difficult task of replacing him in its starting rotation.

Lotte will send Kim, pitcher Choi Jun-yong and outfielder Yoon Dong-hee to South Korea's squad for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The Giants are scheduled to play 10 games during the players' absence, creating openings that the club must fill.

The main concern centers on Kim's role as a starter. Lotte needs an alternative for the rotation, even if the replacement is required for only one or two games. The search has drawn attention because the club has no obvious solution ready.

The report refers to Kim as a possible younger counterpart to Park Se-woong, but questions whether he can make the same impact at the top level. His success in the minors has not yet translated consistently to the majors, leaving Lotte to weigh its options before the national-team call-up.

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There is Park Se-woong's younger brother, though...