'Poor Batting Performance' Advice for Han Dong-hee? Kim Tae-hyung: "He's a pro, what could I say? → Choi Jun-yong to rest, Kim Won-jung to step in"

*This content was translated by AI.

Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung (59) has shown a cold yet principled attitude toward Han Dong-hee (27), who is currently struggling with poor batting. He also announced that Choi Jun-yong (25), who had a poor performance in a save situation the previous day (28th), would be given rest.

Manager Kim Tae-hyung met with reporters ahead of the home game against Kiwoom Heroes at Busan Sajik Stadium on the 29th, part of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League', and explained Han Dong-hee's exclusion from the starting lineup, stating, "His batting feel is not good right now, so he was taken out."

Han Dong-hee has fallen into a severe slump with a batting average of 0.162 over his last 10 games. Manager Kim Tae-hyung said, "We need to watch him a bit longer. His batting feel goes up and down," and added, "In the end, he has to hit well himself." When asked if he had offered any advice, he replied, "What could I say? He's a professional player, what could I say?" emphasizing that Han must find his own way out of the slump.

There are also changes in bullpen usage. Manager Kim firmly stated, "Choi Jun-yong will rest today," and added, "Depending on the situation, Kim Won-jung will be on standby behind him." Choi Jun-yong had entered the game in the 9th inning with a 5-2 lead the previous day but failed to record a single out, allowing 2 hits, 1 walk, and 2 earned runs before handing the mound to Kim Won-jung. Kim Won-jung retired all three batters with no outs and a runner on first base, ending the game 5-4. Although Choi Jun-yong had a day of rest on the 27th, he had pitched on consecutive days, so it is expected that Kim Won-jung would be called upon in a save situation.

Regarding Hyun Do-hoon, who relieved the previous day (28th), pitched 2 scoreless innings, and earned his first professional victory, Kim said, "I've known him since my time with Doosan; he has thrown good pitches in the minor leagues. He hasn't been able to throw his own pitches in the first division until now, but that has changed. We have been receiving consistent positive reports, and it seems he no longer has fear regarding results. It feels like we have found a new long reliever. He will step up as a reliable pitcher."

Lotte will lineup with Jang Du-seong (center fielder), Reyes (left fielder), Noh Jin-hyuk (first baseman), Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter), Yoon Dong-hee (right fielder), Yu Gangnam (catcher), Jeon Min-jae (shortstop), Park Seung-wook (third baseman), and Lee Ho-jun (second baseman) today, aiming for a two-game sweep against Kiwoom.

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*This content was translated by AI.