The reason why the slugger prospect, who reported his first home run in 448 days, went down to the minor leagues the next day has been revealed.

Doosan Bears interim manager Cho Seong-hwan met with reporters on the 24th at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul ahead of the 6th game of the 2025 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League against the SSG Landers and explained the reason for removing slugger prospect Kim Min-hyeok from the roster the day before when there was no game.

Kim Min-hyeok reported a hit for the first time in 79 days against the Lotte Giants after April 4, successfully reaching base for the first time in 19 days since the game against the KIA Tigers on June 3. It was the most impactful game of the season, but contrary to expectations, he received notice of his return to the minor leagues the next day.

Kim Min-hyeok made his appearance as the lead-off batter in the bottom of the 5th inning, trailing 0-10, and hit a home run for a comeback against LG's starter Song Seung-gi. After watching the first pitch for a strike, he connected with the second pitch, a 145 km high fastball, resulting in a left-field home run with a distance of 129.1 meters. This was his 9th career home run, occurring 448 days after his last one on March 31 of last year.

Kim Min-hyeok drew a walk with two outs in the top of the 6th inning on first base and then reached base again with a walk in the top of the 8th inning when a wild pitch allowed the runner on third base to score.

Kim Min-hyeok reported a hit for the first time in 79 days against the Lotte Giants after April 4, successfully reaching base for the first time in 19 days since the KIA Tigers game on June 3. It was the strongest impact he left this season, but contrary to expectations, he was informed of his demotion to the minor leagues the next day.

Interim manager Cho Seong-hwan noted, "I had many concerns. Since Kim Min-hyeok had a successful experience, I thought a lot when it came time to change the roster." He added, "When I removed Kim Min-hyeok, I told him he could hit good balls without much effort. Kim Min-hyeok has a relatively low contact rate in the first team. I asked him to train to improve his contact rate with a more concise swing in the minor leagues. Of course, it was not an easy decision."

He continued, "Kim Min-hyeok's patterns are too similar. When he doesn't make a decision on the first pitch and the count becomes unfavorable, the probability of sending the ball into play drops significantly." He elaborated, "I clearly explained how he achieved good results when they occurred. After going through various exercises in the minor leagues, I hope it will lead to a better feeling when he comes back up. So, I chose to give him time."

Kim Min-hyeok displayed a mature mindset and accepted the interim manager's decision willingly. Cho Seong-hwan said, "Kim Min-hyeok took his move to the minor leagues very well. He has definitely matured. It must be hard to go down after hitting a home run, but he said he would think about how to create concise in-play balls during practice."

Meanwhile, Doosan set its starting lineup against SSG's starter Mitch White with Jeong Su-bin (center fielder), Oh Myeong-jin (second baseman), Jake Cave (right fielder), Yang Eui-ji (catcher), Kim Jae-hwan (left fielder), Lee Yoo-chan (shortstop), Kim Dong-jun (designated hitter), Lim Jong-seong (third baseman), and Kim Min-seok (first baseman). The starting pitcher, Choi Won-jun, is seeking his 15th win of the season.

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