'Veteran first baseman' Yang Seok-hwan, no maintenance plan in the minor leagues?' I asked Kim Won-hyeong. "It is under consideration → He has reached 100 at-bats..."

*This content was translated by AI.

The silence of 'veteran first baseman' Yang Seok-hwan (35) is growing longer. Doosan Bears manager Kim Won-hyeong (54) also appears to have reached his limit of patience. When directly asked whether he was not making adjustments in the minor league (Futures League), he nodded.

On the 3rd, ahead of the away game against the Kiwoom Heroes at the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League in Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome, manager Kim Won-hyeong met with reporters. When questions arose about Yang Seok-hwan's poor batting performance, he left the remark, "It is a concern."

Immediately after manager Kim's answer, when StarNews followed up with the question, "Is maintenance in the minor leagues not under consideration?" he mentioned, "You are pointing out the facts too precisely," and then replied, "It is under consideration. Ultimately, we have standards for (Yang) Seok-hwan. We are not aiming for a high batting average, nor are we seeking extra-base hits. However, since those are not coming out, and he has now handled about 100 at-bats, we plan to consult with the coaches."

For most batters, 100 at-bats are considered the final line where they wait for a technical or psychological rebound. On the previous day (the 2nd), when meeting with reporters, he also revealed an anecdote about giving foreign batter Daz Cameron at least 100 at-bats and enduring his poor performance.

Yang Seok-hwan's record this season is miserable. In 27 games this season, his batting average is 0.205 (88 at-bats, 18 hits), and his OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) stands at 0.533. Most painfully, his 'batting average in scoring position' is 0, recorded with 17 at-bats and no hits, a painful statistic for a middle-of-the-order hitter. Even worse, in the game against Kiwoom on the previous day (the 2nd), he suffered a slump with 3 at-bats and 3 strikeouts. This is clearly not a record befitting a player who signed a FA (free agent) contract worth up to 7.8 billion won for a maximum of 4+2 years ahead of the 2024 season.

In fact, manager Kim Won-hyeong's mind is not at ease either. He said, "(Yang) Seok-hwan prepared very diligently ahead of the season. There could be various reasons for the (batting slump). There could be psychological factors as well. But I do not know. If I knew, I would have told the player earlier," revealing his frustration.

The first base spot left vacant by Yang Seok-hwan is filled by rookie Oh Myung-jin. That day, Doosan lined up Park Chan-ho (shortstop)-Cameron (right fielder)-Park Jun-soon (second baseman)-Yang Ui-ji (designated hitter)-Ahn Jae-seok (third baseman)-Kim Min-seok (left fielder)-Jeong Soobin (center fielder)-Kim Ki-yeon (catcher)-Oh Myung-jin (first baseman). On the mound, 'ace' Kwak Bin took the field to aim for a winning series.

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*This content was translated by AI.