Kang Baek-ho returns to the starting lineup just one day after being sidelined, and Kim Tae-yeon takes the field at third base! Hanwha, led by Ryu Hyun-jin, unveils its lineup to break a six-game losing streak [Busan]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hanwha Eagles, led by domestic ace Ryu Hyun-jin (39), have unveiled their best possible lineup in an effort to end their six-game losing streak.

On the 18th, Hanwha announced its starting lineup for the away game against Lotte Giants at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium as part of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular season.

For this game, Hanwha's batting order consists of Lee Won-seok (center field), Yonatan Peraza (right field), Moon Hyun-bin (left field), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Chae Eun-seong (first base), Lee Do-yoon (second base), Kim Tae-yeon (third base), Choi Jae-hoon (catcher), and Sim Woo-jun (shortstop). Ryu Hyun-jin is the starting pitcher.

Lotte countered with Victor Reyes (left field), No Jin-hyeok (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). Jeremy Biesli is their starting pitcher.

Hanwha has been struggling recently. The team has fallen into a six-game losing streak, leaving them with a 6-10 record and tied for seventh place. Compounding the issue, the team has been engulfed in unnecessary controversy, making a victory essential to turn the tide.

The rain that fell on the Gyeongsang region the previous day (the 17th) proved helpful in this regard. Instead of the temporary starter Park Jun-young, veteran left-hander Ryu Hyun-jin (39) will take the mound. Ryu Hyun-jin has started the season smoothly with two games, one win, no losses, an earned run average of 2.45, 11 innings pitched, and 14 strikeouts.

Last year against Lotte, he recorded one win and one loss in four games, with an earned run average of 3.38, 24 innings pitched, two walks, and 20 strikeouts, making him the ideal choice to break the losing streak.

Kang Baek-ho, who was excluded from the starting lineup the previous day due to muscle pain, has returned just one day later. The void left by regular third baseman No Si-hwan, who was demoted to the second team due to poor performance, has been filled by Kim Tae-yeon. The previous day, manager Kim Kyung-mun explained, "Kim Tae-yeon played third base in the past. Although No Si-hwan played almost every game last year, we needed to prepare for potential injuries. Now is the time to utilize Kim Tae-yeon, and until No Si-hwan returns, he will likely continue to play."

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*This content was translated by AI.