Kiwoom Heroes will face the Doosan Bears on the 13th with a one-catcher system due to the unexpected ankle injury of starting catcher Kim Jae-hyun.
Professional baseball's Kiwoom Heroes announced their starting lineup ahead of the Doosan Bears game at Jamsil on the 13th, which includes Lee Joo-hyung (center fielder), Stone Garrett (designated hitter), Choi Joo-hwan (first baseman), Lim Ji-yeol (left fielder), Ju Sung-won (right fielder), Oh Sun-jin (third baseman), Kim Jae-hyun (catcher), Jeon Tae-hyun (shortstop), and Song Ji-hoo (second baseman). The starting pitcher is Raul Alcantara.
However, shortly after, a Kiwoom official noted, "The starting catcher has been changed," and Kim Jae-hyun was replaced by Kim Keon-hee in the catcher position. The remaining players remained the same.
What could have happened? Kiwoom's manager Hong Won-ki, whom I met before the game, said, "Kim Jae-hyun's ankle was originally not good, but seeing him train today, his condition looks quite poor. So we had to change the catcher suddenly," adding, "I think he will need to pursue treatment in the future. There was a symptom where the bone fragment in his ankle was colliding, and it seems that he needs to undergo a procedure. The training part reported that he needs rest."
However, the confirmation of Kim Jae-hyun's ankle condition came after the deadline to submit the first-team roster. Kiwoom is operating the first-team roster with two catchers, Kim Jae-hyun and Kim Keon-hee, but on this day, without a registration, Kim Jae-hyun's participation became difficult, leading to Kim Keon-hee playing through the entire game.
Manager Hong Won-ki stated, "It's too late to change the roster, so we have to play with one catcher for now. We are currently contacting the second team to confirm a catcher who is in good condition."
If a variable occurs and Kim Keon-hee needs to be replaced, who would wear the mask? Manager Hong Won-ki said, "Ju Sung-won is originally a catcher, but I don't want to think about that situation," while hoping for Kim Keon-hee’s full-time performance.
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