San Francisco Giants Lee Jung-hoo (27) has been excluded from the starting lineup for two consecutive games.
Lee Jung-hoo was not included in the starting lineup for the home game against the Atlanta Braves at Oracle Park in San Francisco, California, at 5:05 a.m. on the 9th (Korea time).
San Francisco fielded Daniel Johnson (center fielder), Elliott Ramos (left fielder), Wilmer Flores (designated hitter), Matt Chapman (third baseman), Dominic Smith (first baseman), Casey Schmitt (shortstop), Mike Yastrzemski (right fielder), Tyler Fitzgerald (second baseman), and Andrew Knizner (catcher) against Atlanta right-handed starter Spencer Strider. The starting pitcher was Landon Lupe.
Lee Jung-hoo has been excluded from the starting lineup for two consecutive games following the 8th. Bob Melvin, the manager of San Francisco, noted before the game on the 8th, "Lee Jung-hoo is experiencing slight stiffness in his back. It’s not serious, and he’s sitting out as a precaution."
Lee Jung-hoo, who was excluded from the starting lineup, came up to bat as a pinch hitter after two outs in the 8th inning. He was struck out looking on the sixth pitch of a full count against Atlanta right-handed starter Bryce Elder.
I thought he might return to the starting lineup for the game on the 9th, but he was excluded again. While the consecutive exclusions from the starting lineup are a bit concerning, it is still better than worsening the injury. Lee Jung-hoo had also rested for ten days during the spring training in March due to back pain, preparing for the season without overexerting himself. An MRI scan at that time showed no structural damage.
Lee Jung-hoo has recorded a batting average of .276 with 67 hits in 24 at-bats, 6 home runs, 32 RBIs, and 6 stolen bases in 64 games this season. Although his performance has fallen compared to the beginning of the season, he has shown signs of rebounding gradually in June.
However, concerns arise that the upward momentum may be halted as he has missed the starting lineup for two consecutive games due to back pain. Given the weak lineup of the San Francisco team, Lee Jung-hoo's back remains a worrying aspect.
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