Samsung’s response to the playoff opener may start with the batting order, but KIA’s bullpen is the other part of this rematch. Samsung managed only one run in the opener, and manager Park Jin-man says he is weighing lineup changes. KIA won after its starter was ejected and several relievers had to cover the rest. The interesting test is whether a changed order creates traffic early enough to change how both managers use their pitchers.
Park said he would consider different starters and batting positions after Samsung’s 5–1 loss. KIA manager Lee Bum-ho said he had prepared a short-outing bullpen plan even though the ejection itself was unexpected. That preparation worked in the opener; it does not tell us how fresh each arm will look in the next game. [Park’s comments](https://www.mksports.co.kr/news/sports/12186380) · [Lee’s bullpen account](https://www.starnewskorea.com/sports/2026/10/27/2026102622465790099)
