On the 23rd, it was reported that Heo Kyung-min, who is set to be registered on the first-team roster, is unlikely to start immediately. However, the expression on the manager's face was not as dark as expected. This is because Hwang Jae-kyun, who was the solid third baseman for KT before Heo Kyung-min's return, has been filling the gap excellently.

KT Wiz manager Lee Kang-cheol met with reporters ahead of the sixth game of the season against the KIA Tigers in the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League, which will be held at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 22nd, and shared the news of Heo Kyung-min's return.

Having been out for about three weeks due to a hamstring injury, Heo Kyung-min joined the team at KT Wiz Park that day and conducted training with the first-team squad. Manager Lee Kang-cheol expressed his delight at Heo Kyung-min's return and stated that he plans to register the player on the first team ahead of the game against the Kiwoom Heroes on the 23rd.

However, it was reported that he is not at 100% health due to the sensitive area that was injured. He has been performing normally at third base in the Futures League, but he is expected to get accustomed to the first team as a pinch-hitter or designated hitter before taking on the starting third baseman role.

Manager Lee Kang-cheol explained, "It's not easy for him to start immediately at this stage. He seems fine hitting, so we might use him as a pinch-hitter or in a substitute role, and if he can handle defense for one or two innings, I will gradually acclimate him. The case of Gocheok Dome is ambiguous for defense due to the artificial turf."

However, there is no major concern. This is because Hwang Jae-kyun, who took over third base after Heo Kyung-min's departure, has been delivering stable defense and impressive performance with a batting average of .284 in 46 games, 1 home run, 17 RBIs, and 18 runs scored, with an OPS of .695. His recent 10-game batting average is .350, and his monthly batting average for May has reached .352. Since returning to third base, he has displayed confidence in both offense and defense.

Manager Lee Kang-cheol joked, "Should we not use Heo Kyung-min until Hwang Jae-kyun can’t play?" and noted, "It seems like losing weight in the offseason has paid off. His mobility is really good. In fact, Hwang Jae-kyun is a legendary player. Most of his career batting records seem to be in the top 10 in the KBO League. Since he has been healthy and consistently participating in games, his records continue to accumulate. He’s a great player."

If Heo Kyung-min assumes the third baseman role at 100% health, Hwang Jae-kyun plans to move to first base to contribute. This means that KT's infield will only become stronger.

Meanwhile, KT's starting lineup against KIA's starting pitcher Yang Hyun-jong includes Hwang Jae-kyun (third base), Kim Min-hyuk (left field), Ahn Hyun-min (right field), Jang Seong-woo (catcher), Mel Rojas Jr. (designated hitter), Kim Sang-soo (second base), Bae Jeong-dae (center field), Moon Sang-cheol (first base), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop). The starting pitcher is William Cuevas.

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