"It's your chance," "I want to fill the vacancy."

Kia Tigers infielder Yoon Do-hyun (22) expressed his determination to fill the gap left by a friend. On the 28th, during the 2025 Korean professional baseball match against Kiwoom Heroes at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, he played as the second baseman, achieving a home run and a tying hit, contributing to the team's 4 hits and 2 runs in 2 at-bats, assisting in the 13-7 victory.

In the 5th inning, trailing 2-6, he lifted the slider from Kiwoom's starting pitcher Kim Yeon-joo for a solo home run. It was his season's first home run. In the 6th inning, trailing 5-6, he hit a clutch single against Won Jong-hyun, setting the stage for a big inning with 5 runs. He scored the game-winning run on Choi Hyung-woo's sacrifice fly.

It was his best performance since being called up. After the game, Yoon Do-hyun said, "Recently, when I stepped up to the plate, I felt like I could see the ball well, and I felt alright. I think my confidence came out as a home run. The tying hit came from a ball that came in from the outside, and I hit it hard. The reason I play in the game is for my batting. The results haven't been great lately, but starting today, I thought I would really focus and do well," explaining his secret.

He resolved his throwing yips right away. He was part of the opening roster but quickly fell out of the first-team roster due to issues with his throws. He was immediately ordered to fix this in the second team. "I definitely prepared in the second team. I worked a lot with Coach Park Gi-nam, and my confidence in my throws has improved, and now I feel okay," he said.

With Na Sung-bum, Kim Sun-bin, and Patrick Wisdom injured, and star player Kim Do-young also out due to a second hamstring injury, the lineup has significantly weakened. Players who have been called up from the second team or have acted as backups in the first team need to step up. A hero is needed in this troubled time. Yoon Do-hyun, who has been noted as a high school rival of Kim Do-young, is also expected to perform.

Yoon Do-hyun said, "Today, the owner came and said he fully agrees with Hyung-woo's senior interview. He said that even when the injured players return, they should do their best to secure their positions. I really thought about showing everything. I will not be passive with the fear of injuries and will play boldly."

His experience in the first team is limited. He has suffered from serious injuries every year since his rookie year. That’s why he feels heartbroken about his friend Kim Do-young's injury. "I feel so heartbroken that Do-young is hurt. I often think to myself why I even played. Yesterday evening we showered together, and I told him, 'It's your chance. Do well.' I also told him to be careful of injuries. He seems to be struggling a lot," showing empathy.

Mentioning his friend's injury, he slightly reddened around his eyes. He also added, "Do-young is working very hard. He will come back as an even better player. Today, I played with the mindset of wanting to fill the vacancy left by Do-young. It feels like the first game. I will focus more and do well in the future," reinforcing his determination.

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