Lotte's Cheongunmanma is returning early for the '2nd Lee Dae-ho'! Kim Tae-hyung said, "Han Dong-hee, recover quickly → Let's defend in the second division and post it if it's okay"

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants' "big shot" infielder Han Dong-hee (28) started his return to the first division at a much faster pace than expected. Lotte's batting line-up was truly "Cheongunmanma" at the news that Han Dong-hee, who was disappointed to join the opening game entry due to an injury, will return.

Lotte manager Kim Tae-hyung (59) revealed the news of Han Dong-hee's early return ahead of the opening match of the "2026 Shinhan SOL Bank KBO League" against Samsung at Samsung Lions Park in Daegu on the 28th. Coach Kim said, "I will play in the second division tomorrow (29th). The recovery was really fast," he said.

Han Dong-hee complained of left side pain during an exhibition game against KT Wiz on the 13th. At the time, the Lotte club said of Han Dong-hee, "He was replaced immediately after the start of the game due to symptoms of left side clumping. As a result of the examination, micro-damage of the left internal abdominal muscle was found," he said. Usually, it takes some time to rehabilitate after rest, but Han Dong-hee's return clock was relatively fast.

Coach Kim said, "I asked (the second team) and he said he was already training because he was in pain. Three days ago, the test also showed that there was no abnormality. He added, "We will try to bat a little bit as a designated hitter on Sunday (29th), and if there is no obstacle to defense, we will immediately put him in the first team."

A Lotte official also said of Han Dong-hee's physical condition, "We received a finding that there was no abnormality as a result of the re-examination. I completed training such as tee batting. "After playing as the designated hitter in the Futures League on the 29th, we will adjust the timing of the first-team call-up after additional defense."

After returning, Han Dong-hee's main position is now likely to be first base, not third base. He has the same position as Lee Dae-ho (44), a senior at Kyungnam High School. Coach Kim predicted that there will be no major problems as Han Dong-hee has been preparing for the first base defense.

There was also unique advice. Coach Kim Tae-hyung said of Han Dong-hee's defense, "It got better," but added, "Sometimes I drop an ordinary fly in front of me 2 meters. I wish I could be stronger in terms of mental and concentration. "We need to be steady without ups and downs," he said, adding that he should have a sense of responsibility suitable for the nickname "Post Lee Dae-ho."

He also emphasized the need for Han Dong-hee. Coach Kim Tae-hyung said of Han Dong-hee, "If it goes well, it's like a foreign hitter," adding, "It's an absolutely necessary player for our team. "I've been to the military (Sangmu baseball team), so I'm sure I'll get better." As it is important to ride the early flow well, it is expected that Han Dong-hee will be able to continue his momentum throughout the season if he makes good results at bat and defense immediately after his return.

Han Dong-hee, who is called the "second Lee Dae-ho" and is receiving expectations from Lotte fans. Attention is focusing on how the addition of a big gun, which can return earlier than expected, will be a catalyst for Lotte's early moves in the 2026 season.

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*This content was translated by AI.