“Please remember these players.”

The Lotte Giants are facing crisis throughout June. Each week is a critical point. Injured players are out all at once. Starting lead-off hitter Hwang Seong-bin was sidelined due to a finger fracture in early May. Hwang's absence was well covered by Jang Du-seong and Kim Dong-hyeok. However, Na Seung-yeop, who was demoted to the second team due to poor hitting, suffered an unexpected injury when he was hit by the ball during defensive training.

Subsequently, Yoon Dong-hee left the game due to a left thigh injury, and Jang Du-seong was hit in the side by a pitch, resulting in a lung contusion. Infielder Son Ho-young also sustained a finger muscle injury and was removed from the first team roster on the 18th. Five key players are currently unavailable in the first team. Starting catcher Yoo Kang-nam, after struggling, was demoted to the second team but returned to the first team on the 19th, although his shoulder condition is not adequate for catching.

However, Lotte does not crumble. Everyone said it was a crisis. They anticipated that retaining third place would not be easy. Yet, Lotte is overcoming the critical points that arise each day. In the metropolitan area’s nine consecutive games, excluding one match canceled due to rain, they played eight games and recorded five wins and three losses. In what was considered the biggest challenge from the 17th to the 19th against Hanwha at Sajik Stadium, Lotte secured a winning series with two wins and one loss. In the game on the 17th, Ryan Weiss pitched eight scoreless innings but the team lost 0-6 without being able to respond. However, on the 18th, they featured substitute starter Hong Min-ki and rookie catcher Park Jae-yeop, achieving a 6-3 victory. Hong Min-ki surprised everyone with four innings allowing one run, and Park Jae-yeop left a strong impression with a three-run homer.

In the game on the 19th, starter Na Gyun-an pitched six scoreless innings, and Jeon Min-jae's three hits along with Go Seung-min's timely hit led to a narrow 4-3 victory. With the winning series, the key players changed for two consecutive days.

In fact, it is not an exaggeration to say that Lotte is playing every game with a second-tier lineup. However, as the saying goes, “a position makes a person,” they are turning their earnestness into performance on the field and becoming first-team players and starters.

With Hwang Seong-bin and Jang Du-seong absent, Kim Dong-hyeok is filling the gap. They have been helping each other with similar playing styles, and Kim Dong-hyeok is contributing effectively in the outfield and lead-off positions. He has especially not held back in defense. On the 8th against Doosan, he made a super catch by leaping over the fence without worrying about hitting it. On the 12th against KT as well, he made an out with another jump catch against the fence. In the game on the 18th, he contributed to the victory with a crucial two-RBI triple.

Kim Dong-hyeok emphasized, “I don’t think I’m a player who should be afraid of injuries right now. I am trying to catch every ball that fits my position. And my body is strong. I have never been seriously injured while playing baseball. I have always done it this way.”

Hong Min-ki also remarked, “I think I had a desire to show more to secure my position. It seems the coach liked what he saw, and I’m gaining confidence from that,” emphasizing that his eagerness to seize the opportunity was reflected on the mound.

Manager Kim Tae-hyoung noted, “It’s troublesome when injured players come out. However, from my time managing Doosan, when injuries occur, we end up utilizing new players. When the substitute players perform well, the depth naturally thickens.” He added, “The current situation is similar, and it's a really good experience for these players. Also, if they produce some results while playing in the first team, their mindset will improve significantly.” He stressed that he hopes the fans will not forget the young players who are contributing to overcoming the current crisis. On the 19th, starter Na Gyun-an requested, “The team is in a tough situation, but we have won consecutively. Please remember the players who are currently playing.” He stated, “In the end, when the starting players return, they may or may not play, but they are doing really well during this tough time. (Han) Tae-yang and (Park) Jae-yeop and other younger players are performing well, so I believe if we overcome the crisis, we can rise.”

He also reiterated, “I hope the fans will definitely remember these young players.” Those classified as backups have gained confidence that they can now contribute, and they are taking the lead in games with the mindset that they are the main characters. Additionally, by believing in and supporting each other, the team's cohesiveness is strengthening. Lotte is transforming into a team that does not crumble under crisis.

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