KIA Tigers power-hitting prospect Kim Seok-hwan has returned to the first team.
Manager Lee Beom-ho registered Kim Seok-hwan to the first team prior to the game against KT Wiz in Gwangju on the 19th. Rookie outfielder Park Jae-hyeon was sent down to the second team instead. He will not be in the starting lineup and will wait on the bench.
KIA's starting lineup consists of Lee Chang-jin (left fielder), Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Wisdom (third baseman), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Oh Sun-woo (first baseman), Choi Won-jun (right fielder), Kim Ho-ryeong (center fielder), Kim Tae-gun (catcher), and Kim Gyu-seong (second baseman).
Lee Chang-jin, who came off the bench the previous day to hit the game-winning hit, has returned to the leadoff position. Kim Ho-ryeong, who rested for a day due to neck strain symptoms, will also activate again.
Kim Seok-hwan was removed from the roster after being diagnosed with a sprain when he collided with the fence while playing defense during the game against the Hanwha Eagles in Gwangju on the 8th. After completing his treatment, he participated in the Futures League games, hitting home runs while waiting for his return to the first team. Manager Lee Beom-ho brought him back up as soon as the 10-day injury designation period ended.
Manager Lee Beom-ho said, "His pace was good before going down. He said he prepared well. I thought we needed a player to start, so I brought him up. He is psychologically more stable than before. His hitting posture has changed a lot, and he is less tense during games. He also hit well in the Futures League. Other players who came up are performing well, too. He has an excellent batting average in the Futures; his desire to do well will be strong. He can definitely do his part."
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