I have high expectations.

Kim Tae-hyoung, the manager of the Lotte Giants, sent a message of support to Park Se-woong, the 'glasses ace,' who is making his return to the first team against the Samsung Lions on the 22nd.

Park Se-woong has taken the mound 14 times this season, achieving 8 wins, 5 losses, and an earned run average of 4.34. Following his first victory of the season against the KT Wiz on March 29, he continued a strong upward trend with an impressive 8-game winning streak.

However, he has fallen into a rut of 4 consecutive losses since the game against the Hanwha Eagles on May 23. Ultimately, on the 10th against the KT Wiz in Suwon, he recorded the worst pitching performance with 5 innings, allowing 12 hits (including 2 home runs), 2 walks, 2 strikeouts, and 8 earned runs, resulting in his removal from the first team roster.

Ahead of the game against Samsung on the 22nd, manager Kim Tae-hyoung met with reporters and said, 'I have high expectations for Park Se-woong. I hope he pitches like he did in the early part of the season. He needs to compete with the pitches he can throw, but because he's been overthinking, he's shown a tendency to flee and become too centered when he should be assertive. I believe he will perform comfortably today.'

Manager Kim Tae-hyoung praised outfielder Kim Dong-hyeok, stating, 'He is working hard. As you know, his strength lies in his fearless style of play. His defense is among the best in the league, and his throwing ability is outstanding.' He added, 'There are some concerns regarding his offense. His contact ability needs to improve. His upper body movement tends to be excessive when he bats.'

Recently, as key players have been sidelined due to injuries, players from the Futures team have been filling the gap effectively. Thanks to the efforts of manager Kim Yong-hee and the coaching staff and staff of the Lotte Futures team, the future of the Giants is thriving.

Manager Kim Tae-hyoung noted, 'Even if the injured players return, it’s a dilemma. I don’t know who to include and who to replace. When someone is absent, someone else takes that position. That’s the most frightening part.'

He added, '(The players from the Futures team) performed well when opportunities arose, making it easier for me as a manager to utilize them. I believe it's a great opportunity for the young players. Experiencing the first team stage will lessen their burdens when they get future chances.'

Meanwhile, Lotte has formed its starting lineup with Kim Dong-hyeok in center field, Go Seung-min at first base, Víctor Reyes in right field, Jeon Jun-woo in left field, Jung Hoon as the designated hitter, Kim Min-sung at third base, Han Tae-yang at second base, Jeung Bo-keun as catcher, and Jeon Min-jae as shortstop.

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