"Return to Lapak after 10 years." Choi Hyung-woo, No. 5 DH, is in the lineup for Samsung's opening game! Park Jin-man said, "He's a player who can advise and do that. → I'm not worried."

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions outfielder Choi Hyung-woo (43), who returned to Lions Park (Rapak) for the first time in 10 years since the 2016 season, has finally been listed as an official starter for the return match. Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man (50) also did not worry too much about playing an official return match.

Samsung unveiled its starting lineup ahead of the 2026 KBO League home opener against the Lotte Giants at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 28th. The most noticeable part is the deployment of Choi Hyung-woo, who is also a "return power." Coach Park Jin-man added the weight of the central lineup by putting Choi Hyung-woo as the fifth designated hitter.

Samsung set up its starting lineup in the order of Lee Jae-hyun (striker), Kim Sung-yoon (right wing), Koo Ja-wook (left wing), Diaz (first baseman), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Kang Min-ho (fosu), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), and Kim Ji-chan (middle fielder).

It is a batting order to target opposing starting pitcher Elvin Rodriguez well. Coach Park Jin-man said of Rodriguez, "I heard he has good control and good cheeks. When our batting coach was in Japan, he came from Softbank last season and said he could analyze some of the pitchers in Japan. We also checked the video of the exhibition game. Still, I think there will be positive factors," he said.

Samsung's starting pitcher is Ariel Furado, the "first starter." Hurado, who left a 15-8 record with a 2.60 ERA in 30 games last season, will go out to win the opening game. Samsung coach Park Jin-man said, "We are all ready to throw 100 pitches. He's in good condition, too. He said, "He's made a good body and he's been doing what he can."

On Choi Hyung-woo, who will return to Rafak on the same day, coach Park Jin-man said, "I didn't give advice or anything like that. Since he is around the same age as me, I think he will do well on his own. Rather, Choi Hyung-woo should play a role in relieving the tension of our players. I'm not worried at all," he laughed.

Attention is focusing on what kind of return ceremony Choi Hyung-woo, who will enter Lapak's at-bat in a blue uniform for the first time in 10 years, will hold amid enthusiastic support from home fans.

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*This content was translated by AI.