The list of participants for the semi-playoffs (hereinafter referred to as semi-PO, 3 wins out of 5) between SSG Landers and NC Dinos has been confirmed.
On the 21st, KBO confirmed and released 30 associate PO entries for SSG and NC. The two teams will face off in the first game at SSG Landers Field in Incheon at 2 p.m. on the 22nd.
NC’s Eric Peddy, the league’s best ace this season, is back. Peddie is considered the most likely candidate for league MVP with his record of 20 wins and 200 strikeouts this season.
However, Peddie suffered a bruise on his right arm after being hit by a ball hit by Ko Jong-wook in the regular season against the KIA Tigers on the 16th, and was excluded from the roster for the post-season wild card game against the Doosan Bears due to a minor injury.
In addition, NC included catcher Park Dae-on and outfielder Cheon Jae-hwan, who were excluded from the wild card game entry, in the semi-PO entry. Subsequently, pitcher Han Jae-seung, infielder Kim Soo-yoon, and outfielder Park Han-gyeol were excluded from the list of semi-PO players.
SSG has McCarty and Choi Jeong back. McCarty suffered a right oblique muscle injury in the game against Lotte on September 23. However, McCarty is expected to play in the bullpen rather than as a starter.
SSG plans to add weight to the batting lineup as Choi Jeong, 안전놀이터who was left out of the first team lineup on the 13th due to thigh pain and missed the last four games of the regular season, also returns.