This article is part of our Dream11 Fantasy KBO series.
Kia Tigers (44-41) at Kiwoom Heroes (54-37)
Saturday, August 22nd, 5:00 AM EDT
Projected Starters
LHP Hyun Jong Yang (8-6, 5.57 ERA) vs RHP Tae Hoon Kim (5-0, 3.89 ERA)
Game Preview
The Tigers and the Heroes have been two of the most consistent teams in the KBO this season and both are genuine playoff contenders. The Heroes, in fact, have been one of the hottest teams in the league and are within reach of first place at the moment – they're sitting just 1.5 games behind the NC Dinos while going 6-4 in their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Tigers are 4-6 in that same span and have fallen to sixth place, so they need to improve before it's too late. The pitching matchup also seems to favor the Heroes, as Tae Hoon Kim is undefeated and carries a strong 3.89 ERA while Hyun Jong Yang has a 5.57 ERA thus far.
Injuries
Kia Tigers
Young Seok Jang - Out - Not Injury Related
6/8 10:29 PM IST - Jang was removed from KIA's first-team roster Monday, Ik-rae Choi of The Dong-A Ilbo reports. Jang was called up last week after spending several weeks with KIA's second team, but he is headed back down after going 1-for-11 (.091) last week. Recently-acquired Ji Hyuk Ryu is expected to take over as KIA's starting third baseman.
Joo Chan Kim - 10-Day IL - Undisclosed
6/22 11:52 PM IST - Kim was removed from the Tigers' roster on Monday, Soo Jin Park