'How could this be!' Kiwoom foreign hitter Brooks relegated to the ninth spot! Lee Ju-hyung's return to the first division is welcome news; manager says, "Brooks' condition is poor..."

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes' foreign hitter Brooks is expected to be placed in the ninth spot in a bold lineup change. Seol Jong-jin, Kiwoom's manager, explained the background ahead of the game, stating, "Brooks' condition is not good, so we had to adjust the batting order."

Kiwoom announced its starting lineup ahead of the match against Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 5th. The lineup was arranged as follows: Lee Ju-hyung (designated hitter), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), An Chi-hong (second baseman), Choi Ju-hwan (first baseman), Im Byung-wook (right fielder), Yang Hyeon-jong (third baseman), Park Soo-jong (center fielder), Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop), and Brooks (left fielder). O Seok-ju will start on the mound.

The most striking detail is undoubtedly the placement of foreign hitter Brooks in the ninth spot. It is unusual for a foreign hitter, typically expected to provide power and clutch hitting, to be relegated to the bottom of the order. This is seen as a reflection of Brooks' recent severe batting slump and poor condition. Manager Seol Jong-jin diagnosed Brooks, saying, "The opposing pitcher is a left-hander (O'Clockin), and his recent condition has not been good. He seems to have lost balance by getting hit by high pitches. He also appears to be rushing a bit himself."

Fortunately, there is welcome news regarding the return of starting outfielder Lee Ju-hyung to the first division. Lee, who suffered a hamstring injury during the NC Dinos game at Gocheok on April 21, was registered for the first division roster on this day and started as the leadoff designated hitter, taking on the crucial role of igniting the offense. Lee's return is expected to inject new vitality into Kiwoom's stagnant lineup. Manager Seol Jong-jin stated regarding Lee, "For now, he will not be required to play defense today."

While emphasizing that Brooks' recovery is the priority regarding his placement in the lower part of the lineup, Manager Seol Jong-jin appears to be placing his hopes on the cohesion of the top of the lineup led by the returning Lee Ju-hyung. It remains to be seen whether Kiwoom, which opted for a bold lineup change, can seize this as an opportunity for a turnaround.

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*This content was translated by AI.