Gu Ja-wook is back! Starting from the first game, he handled both the number 2 spot and left field defense → Kim Sang-jun starts at shortstop

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions' "key outfielder" Gu Ja-wook (33) has finally returned to the first division stage.

Ahead of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' match against Kiwoom Heroes to be held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 5th, Samsung unexpectedly registered outfielder Gu Ja-wook in the first division roster. This marks his return to the first division approximately 23 days after sustaining a minor fracture in his left rib bone while sliding during a game against NC on April 12.

Before his injury, Gu Ja-wook was leading the team's offense with a batting average of 0.292 (48 at-bats, 14 hits), 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs. The day before (on the 4th), he participated as a designated hitter in the second game of a Futures League doubleheader against KT Wiz held at Gyeongsan Ball Park, adjusting his game readiness and completing his return preparations. He handled exactly three plate appearances, recording 2 at-bats with no hits and 1 walk.

On this day, Samsung immediately placed Gu Ja-wook in the starting lineup, making a strategic move. The table-setters were formed with Kim Ji-chan (center fielder) and Gu Ja-wook (left fielder), while Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), and Park Seung-kyu (right fielder) added firepower to the middle of the lineup. The bottom of the lineup was arranged in the order of Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), Jeon Byeong-woo (third baseman), Park Se-hyeok (catcher), and Kim Sang-jun (shortstop).

Infielder Kim Sang-jun, who was registered in the first division roster on the 3rd, makes his first career first division start at shortstop. Having transitioned from a development player to a regular player, he was assigned jersey number 56.

In particular, the reunion with "soulmate" Lewin Diaz is drawing high expectations. While Gu Ja-wook was absent, Diaz had struggled, but he has been on a steep upward trend, recording a batting average of 0.400, 1 home run, and 6 RBIs in his last five games. In the match against Hanwha on the 3rd, he hit a thrilling walk-off home run, signaling a complete recovery of his hitting form.

With the return of Gu Ja-wook, the key to the "May counterattack" envisioned by manager Park Jin-man, Samsung's offensive power is expected to increase even further. It remains to be seen what kind of firepower Samsung will display in front of home fans, featuring the healthy return of Gu Ja-wook and Diaz, who is in peak hitting form—the so-called "Gu-Diaz Duo."

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*This content was translated by AI.