Hwang Dae-in (KIA Tigers infielder) has returned to the first team stage after 424 days.
KIA made changes to its first-team roster ahead of the away game against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 25th. They registered Hwang Dae-in and removed Byeon Woo-hyuk.
After graduating from Gyeonggi High School, Hwang Dae-in debuted in the professional league after being selected in the second round of KIA's 2015 draft and has participated in a total of 379 first-team games, recording a batting average of .248 (280 hits in 1,131 at-bats), 39 home runs, 191 RBIs, and 108 runs scored. He particularly drew attention as a next-generation star by hitting double-digit home runs in 2021 and 2022, but struggled to showcase his abilities due to injuries.
Manager Lee Beom-ho noted during a meeting with reporters before the game, "Byeon Woo-hyuk is currently in a state of low confidence. We need to use the player in the best condition, and we’re playing Hwang Dae-in because he did well. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him, and his physical condition seems good, so I hope he does well in the first team as he did in the Futures League."
KIA set its starting lineup with shortstop Park Chan-ho, right fielder Oh Sun-woo, third baseman Kim Do-young, designated hitter Choi Hyung-woo, first baseman Hwang Dae-in, left fielder Kim Seok-hwan, second baseman Kim Gyu-seong, catcher Kim Tae-gun, and center fielder Park Jeong-woo. Left-handed pitcher Yoon Young-cheol is making another attempt to secure his first win of the season.
After returning to the first team stage after 424 days, he said, "I feel a bit nervous after being back for a long time. My body feels light, and I tend to do well in baseball during times like this. I hope for a good result today."
He added, "I received the notification of my promotion to the first team after yesterday's Futures game, and everyone with me—Han Seung-taek, Joo Hyo-sang, and Choi Won-jun—congratulated me." What was the reaction of the first-team players? Hwang Dae-in replied, "They told me to hit it out when there are runners on base. I came with that goal too, so I think it’s most important to focus and achieve a good result when the opportunity arises."
Hwang Dae-in, who is taking on the fifth spot in the lineup upon his return to the first team, shared, "I feel more nervous since I'm being put in the fifth spot right away. I remembered the Samsung starter Won Tae-in and did a lot of image training."
Hwang Dae-in also mentioned, "Manager Lee Beom-ho said, 'If you try to show 100%, you might get injured, so just do 80%.'" Having suffered from frequent injuries, he candidly confessed, "Honestly, it was tough at first, but I just forgot about it and focused on my physical management."
Hwang Dae-in, who showcased his sharp batting ability in the Futures League, commented on his current hitting form, saying, "It has been consistently good. I focused on getting on base in the Futures League, but now that I’m in the first team, I plan to aim for some extra-base hits."
For someone like him who is used to Futures League day games, the 2 p.m. start time is likely to work in his favor. Hwang Dae-in expressed, "There are many players from Hampyeong, so I expect good results."
Hwang Dae-in had to watch KIA's championship win last year from afar. Reflecting on that time, he said, "I was really disappointed. But there was nothing I could do, so I cheered even harder. Seeing the team win made me really happy, and I often thought that if I had stayed in the first team without injury, I would have enjoyed that happiness too."
KIA, classified as a strong contender this season, is currently in 8th place. "We need to elevate the atmosphere. I’m confident in lifting the mood," he smiled.
Throughout the lengthy rehabilitation process, the presence of family has been a tremendous support. Hwang Dae-in said, "My 9-month-old son is so cute. I feel really good going home. I think I’m becoming more positive." He couldn't hide his smile, suggesting that the so-called formula milk buff might be helpful. Hwang Dae-in also firmly stated, "You have to buy good formula milk."
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