SSG Landers manager Lee Seung-yong expressed regret over the absence of Choi Jeong.
In an interview before the game against Hanwha Eagles on the 16th at Incheon SSG Landers Field for the '2025 Shinhan Bank SOL Bank KBO League,' Lee Seung-yong said regarding Choi Jeong's condition, "I want to be positive."
SSG suffered a scoreless defeat of 0-2 against Hanwha on the 15th, marking their second consecutive loss. They managed only two hits, failing to target Hanwha ace KODI. The absence of Choi Jeong, who could have changed the game's momentum with one swing, was felt even more acutely in this loss.
Choi Jeong, a league-leading home run hitter with a career batting average of .288 over 2,293 games (7,892 at-bats and 2,269 hits), 495 home runs, 1,561 RBIs, 1,461 runs, and 178 stolen bases, sustained a right hamstring injury during defense training before an exhibition game against KIA on the 17th of last month, removing him from active play. A medical examination on the 10th indicated that he is still not fully recovered, which raises the possibility of a delayed return.
On the 15th, Lee Seung-yong explained Choi Jeong's condition, saying, "It seems that first, (Choi) needs to get rid of the pain. He is the most frustrated in this situation. Even though it's not comfortable for him, I told him to think as positively as possible. It is still hard to say when he will return." Lee added, "I am not smiling either. However, the most difficult part must be for the player. I think we need to monitor the situation a bit longer," expressing his disappointment.
SSG has set its starting lineup with Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Jeong Jun-jae (second baseman), Park Seong-han (shortstop), Han Yu-seom (right fielder), Lee Ji-young (catcher), Oh Tae-gon (left fielder), Go Myeong-jun (first baseman), Hyun Won-hye (designated hitter), and Ahn Sang-hyeon (third baseman). The starting pitcher is Kim Kwang-hyun. On the 15th, only the ninth spot third baseman Park Ji-hwan was replaced with Ahn Sang-hyeon in the starting lineup.
Lee Seung-yong said, "It seems that (Park) Ji-hwan is feeling a bit down, so we talked a lot today. I want the younger players to let go of their burdens. He will be back in the lineup tomorrow," adding, "I believe (Jeong) Jun-jae and (Go) Myeong-jun need to go through these experiences to succeed throughout the season. They have worked hard, so I trust they will do well. It will take time, but it will get better. After all, they are still second-year players. Rather than seeing a lack of intensity, I believe they are just a bit stiff but trying hard."
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