Oh Ji-hwan is back as a starter after 3G! Yeom Kyung-yeop, who showed faith, said, "I'm sure it'll get better → He's an experienced veteran

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins key shortstop Oh Ji-hwan (36) was re-listed in the starting lineup after three games. Attention is focusing on whether he can wake up the silent bat and show the dignity of a veteran.

The LG Twins unveiled their starting lineup ahead of an away game against the Kiwoom Heroes of the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League" at Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul on the 4th. The most noticeable change is by far Oh Ji-hwan's return.

On this day, LG formed a batting order consisting of Hong Chang-ki (right wing), Shin Min-jae (second baseman), Austin Dean (first baseman), Moon Bo-kyung (designated hitter), Park Dong-won (captor), Moon Sung-joo (left wing), Chun Sung-ho (third baseman), Oh Ji-hwan (striker) and Park Hae-min (middle fielder). Compared to the previous day (3rd), Koo Bon-hyuk was out and Oh Ji-hwan came in. Right-hander Lim Chan-kyu will take the mound for LG's starting pitcher.

Oh Ji-hwan is at the beginning of this season, but he is in a severe batting slump. In five games, he had a batting average of 0.067 (1 hit in 15 at-bats) and an OPS of 0.309. The batting balance, which began to be twisted at the end of the exhibition game, seems to have continued to the regular season. On top of that, he even had mild symptoms of bile. In response, manager Yeom Kyung-yeop excluded Oh Ji-hwan from the starting lineup for the past two games and gave him time to reorganize. It was a consideration to make 100% physical condition.

However, Oh Ji-hwan found a clue to his revival against Kiwoom on the 3rd, the previous game. Oh Ji-hwan, who came out as a pinch hitter in the top of the eighth inning with two outs and runners on second base, trailing 2-5, showed remarkable concentration against Kim Sung-jin (29), a must-win team in the Kiwoom. He calmly picked out a low-inducing two-seam fastball and a sweeper, stopping the bat even with a fast 150km two-seam fastball to get a walk. It was a moment when he proved that the veteran's unique trailblazing plan to protect his batting zone is reviving.

Coach Yeom Kyung-yeop, who is set to play on the 4th, said of Oh Ji-hwan, "I'm sure it'll get better. In the end, he showed faith by saying, "Isn't he a veteran?" He then said, "In fact, when the batting is not good, the starting pitchers have to hold out, but that's a little disappointing," but gave a firm trust that experienced Oh Ji-hwan will find a clue to the rebound on his own.

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*This content was translated by AI.