* Translated by AI

Starnews

'Moon Bo-kyung's vacant spot': Today's LG 4th hitter is Oh Ji-hwan → When will 'Big Boy' Lee Jae-won step up? Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop answers [Jamsil on-site]

Updated:

Shin Hwasup

*This content was translated by AI.

LG's Oh Ji-hwan poses with a celebration after hitting a double in the 8th inning against Doosan on the 6th. /Photo=OSEN
LG's Oh Ji-hwan poses with a celebration after hitting a double in the 8th inning against Doosan on the 6th. /Photo=OSEN

'Yesterday it was Cheon Seong-ho (29), today it is Oh Ji-hwan (36).'

LG Twins are continuing their '4th hitter experiment' to fill the vacancy left by Moon Bo-kyung (26). On the 7th, LG named Oh Ji-hwan as the starting 4th hitter and shortstop for their home game against Doosan Bears at Seoul Jamsil Stadium.

LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) told reporters ahead of the game, "(Oh) Ji-hwan's batting form is not bad. He looked fine even during practice."

LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop. /Photo=StarNews
LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop. /Photo=StarNews

Oh Ji-hwan has appeared in 29 games this season, recording a .250 batting average (21 hits in 84 at-bats), one home run, and 16 RBIs. After starting against NC Dinos on May 1, he missed games on the 2nd and 3rd due to discomfort in his right hip muscle. He appeared as a pinch runner on the 5th against Doosan and as a pinch defender on the 6th, hitting a double in one at-bat. Returning to the starting lineup after six days, he took on the heavy responsibility of the 4th hitter.

Moon Bo-kyung, LG's regular 4th hitter, suffered a left ankle ligament injury during a defensive play in the Doosan game on the 5th. Recovery and return are expected to take four to five weeks.

In the Doosan game on the 6th, LG placed Cheon Seong-ho in the 4th spot in the lineup, but he went hitless in four at-bats. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop said, "(Cheon) Seong-ho also felt the pressure when placed at 4th, as it carries a lot of weight."

LG's Lee Jae-won rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Doosan on the 6th. /Photo=OSEN
LG's Lee Jae-won rounds the bases after hitting a home run against Doosan on the 6th. /Photo=OSEN

Lee Jae-won (27), who hit a home run in his first at-bat immediately upon returning to the first team the previous day, was named the starting 9th hitter and left fielder for today's game. Known as the 'Jamsil Big Boy' and recognized for his power-hitting ability, he is being expected to become LG's next-generation 4th hitter.

However, the manager indicated he would continue to observe for the time being. Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop explained regarding Lee Jae-won, "For now, he will bat in the lower order, 8th or 9th. Of course, it would be good if he could hit 4th, but that could place a burden on the player."

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*This content was translated by AI.

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