'Hwang Seong-bin excluded from 4 consecutive games → Han Taeyang returns as starter in one day': Lotte reveals lineup to counter Ryu Hyun-jin [Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung (59) unveiled a lineup designed to counter Ryu Hyun-jin (39) in pursuit of a home victory.

On the 18th, Lotte announced its starting lineup for the home game against Hanwha Eagles in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season, held at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium.

For the day, Lotte set its batting order as Victor Reyes (left field), No Jin-hyuk (first base), Yoon Dong-hee (right field), Han Dong-hee (third base), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Son Ho-young (center field), Han Taeyang (second base), Son Seong-bin (catcher), and Jeon Min-jae (shortstop), with pitcher Visley starting.

Han Taeyang, who had been omitted from the lineup the previous day (17th) citing rest and the need to maintain batting rhythm, has returned as the second baseman. Since his 2022 first-team debut, Han Taeyang showed remarkable growth during his first full-time season last year. In his second full-time season this year, he is currently batting 0.271 (13 hits in 48 at-bats) over 15 games, with an on-base percentage of 0.375 and a slugging percentage of 0.333.

His strong performance against left-handed pitchers also contributed to his selection. Today, Lotte faces veteran left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin (39). Ryu Hyun-jin has posted solid results this year with 2 games, 1 win, no losses, an earned run average of 2.45, 11 innings pitched, and 14 strikeouts. Last year against Lotte, he recorded 4 games, 1 win, 1 loss, an earned run average of 3.38, 24 innings pitched, 2 walks, and 20 strikeouts.

Han Taeyang was also strong against left-handed pitchers last year, batting 0.270 (17 hits in 63 at-bats), with an on-base percentage of 0.352 and a slugging percentage of 0.444. Manager Kim Tae-hyung stated, ""Han Taeyang is not being rested; he is being started because the opponent is a left-hander.""

Center fielder Hwang Seong-bin (29) will also see extended rest. Hwang Seong-bin has not appeared in the starting lineup for four consecutive days due to right-sided adductor pain during the midweek game against LG Twins at Jamsil. Although his physical condition is improving, he is effectively in a state of suspended operation as he cannot yet engage in full-speed play. Manager Kim Tae-hyung briefly replied, ""We are continuing to monitor his condition. While he can run, he does not seem to be at 100%. He may struggle as a pinch runner, but he could be used in the later innings of the game.""

Han Dong-hee, who alternated between first base and third base early in the season, has been fixed at third base. Manager Kim Tae-hyung said, ""Han Dong-hee is only useful at third base. If Han Dong-hee cannot play third base, there will be four players at first base. His current level of third base defense is acceptable.""

The expected home runs have not yet materialized. Regarding this, he held back, saying, ""They are not going as far to the left as I thought. I have spoken to him about it, but it is not working well. It is also a sensitive issue.""

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*This content was translated by AI.