At Doosan's first base, where the competitor was essentially 'zero', Yang Seok-hwan (Doosan Bears), who was smoothly continuing his career, has been experiencing a difficult time following the coaching change.

Doosan Bears acting manager Jo Seong-hwan met with reporters on the 8th, ahead of the ninth matchup of the season against the Lotte Giants at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul, and noted, 'Yang Seok-hwan has an injury in the second team, so it seems that more time will be needed.'

Yang Seok-hwan was selected as the second designated hitter for the away game against SSG Landers in the 2025 KBO Mediheal Futures League held at Ganghwa SSG Futures Field on the 4th, recording 1 at-bat, no hits, and one walk before being substituted due to injury.

In the top of the 1st inning, with no outs and a runner on first base, Yang Seok-hwan flew out to the left fielder. In his second at-bat, with a score of 5-1 in the top of the 2nd inning and one out with a runner on first, he faced SSG starter Lee Geon-wook, who struck out on the first pitch then was hit by a pitch on the second, leading to his early exit from the game for a pinch runner, Kang Dong-hyung.

Yang Seok-hwan was hit by a pitch on the left rib and was transferred to a nearby hospital for examination. Initially, it was diagnosed as a simple bruise, but a detailed examination revealed a fracture in the rib, and he has been focusing on recovery without participating in games since the 5th.

Yang Seok-hwan, a significant infielder who signed an initial super FA contract with Doosan worth up to 7.8 billion won over 4+2 years before the 2024 season, received a signing bonus of 2 billion won and a total salary guarantee of 3.9 billion won, along with a mutual option of 1.3 billion won for 2 years, which is activated by agreement between the club and the player.

Last year, Yang Seok-hwan, who served as Doosan's captain, recorded 30 home runs and 100 RBIs (34 home runs and 107 RBIs) at Jamsil, has not been able to show performances worthy of his contract in his second year. He has struggled with a batting average of .260 in 56 games, a clutch batting average of .224, and a slump with a batting average of .167 in the last 10 games just before being removed from the first team on the 3rd.

Despite repeated struggles under former manager Lee Seung-yup, Yang Seok-hwan consistently received opportunities but has not been included in the reform plans of acting manager Jo Seong-hwan, who took over after Lee Seung-yup's voluntary resignation. Acting manager Jo noted on the 3rd, 'I suggested Yang Seok-hwan go to the second team. He needs to take more responsibility as a starter.'

'Then when will Kang Seung-ho and Jo Soo-hyung, who are consistently participating in games in the second team, receive a call from the acting manager?' Acting manager Jo expressed enthusiasm on the 8th, saying, 'I am closely monitoring the players' performances and will continue to do so. If the timing is right, I plan to visit the second team game.'

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