Doosan Bears starting catcher Yang Eui-ji’s reason for not sprinting in his last at-bat during the 9th inning of the previous day's game has been revealed. It was not that he did not do a full-speed run, but rather that he was in a condition where he could not.

Yang Eui-ji started as the designated hitter batting fourth in an away game against the NC Dinos at Changwon NC Park on the 28th and became embroiled in the so-called 'walking running' controversy in the 9th inning.

In the 9th inning, trailing 1-3 with one out and a runner on first, Yang Eui-ji came to bat against NC closer Ryu Jin-wook and hit a line drive toward third base. While a straightforward line drive out was expected, third baseman Kim Han-byul failed to catch it, and taking advantage of the mistake, Yang picked up the ball that dropped to the ground and completed a double play from third to second to first base.

Yang Eui-ji, thinking the ball had been caught, did not accelerate. After confirming Kim Han-byul’s failure to catch the ball, he attempted to sprint late, but arrived at first base after the ball. The throw from second baseman Park Min-woo was high, leading to him being tagged out at first base. The Doosan bench immediately requested a video review, but the call was not overturned. The game was over.

Ahead of the game against NC on the 29th, Doosan acting manager Jo Sung-hwan noted, "I continually tell the players to use their full speed and do their best. However, Yang Eui-ji is currently having issues with his right calf," adding, "Because he has been dealing with a calf injury, when he feels he might be out, he reduces his speed a bit, and if he thinks a play at first base could happen or two bases are possible, he uses his full speed. He is in a situation where he is managing his play based on his physical condition."

The head coach reiterated that he would not tolerate plays where full speed is not used even when there is no issue with physical condition. Acting manager Jo stated, "Every player should do their best and run. Whether they put on the uniform for the first time or take it off tomorrow, there are no exceptions," and added, "I do not like to see such plays. As long as their body can endure, I always tell them to run hard. If that aspect is not achieved, I don't want to forgive it."

Yang Eui-ji was ultimately excluded from the starting lineup on that day due to the effects of his calf injury. Acting manager Jo assembled the starting lineup against NC’s starter Kim Nok-won, including Jung Soo-bin (center fielder), Lee Yoo-chan (shortstop), Jake Cave (right fielder), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Oh Myung-jin (second baseman), Park Joon-soon (third baseman), Kim Dong-jun (left fielder), Ryu Hyun-jun (catcher), and Kim Min-seok (first baseman). They aim to break a three-game losing streak with left-handed starter Choi Seung-yong leading the way.

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