'Hit the winning run, excluded from starting lineup' Where did Park Hae-min go? The manager's worries deepen: "We need to manage him for two days" [Daejeon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins captain Park Hae-min (36) will take a break for the time being.

On the 9th, ahead of the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season away game against Hanwha Eagles at Daejeon Hanwha Life Eagles Park, LG announced its starting lineup.

On this day, LG constructed its batting order as Hong Chang-ki (center fielder)-Koo Bon-hyuk (second baseman)-Song Chan-ui (left fielder)-Austin Dean (first baseman)-Oh Ji-hwan (shortstop)-Cheon Seong-ho (third baseman)-Lee Jae-won (right fielder)-Park Dong-won (catcher)-Kim Sung-jin (designated hitter). The starting pitcher was Yoni Chirinos.

Hanwha countered with a lineup of Lee Jin-young (center fielder)-Yonatan Peraza (right fielder)-Moon Hyun-bin (left fielder)-Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter)-Noh Si-hwan (third baseman)-Heo In-seo (catcher)-Kim Tae-yeon (first baseman)-Lee Do-yoon (shortstop)-Hwang Young-mok (second baseman). The starting pitcher was Wang Yencheng.

Park Hae-min, who led LG to a thrilling comeback victory with a winning run in the top of the 11th extra inning the previous day (8th), was completely omitted from the starting lineup. The spot was filled by center fielder Hong Chang-ki moving to center field, while Lee Jae-won took over right field and Song Chan-ui moved to left field, placing the promising power-hitting corner outfielders at the corners.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop explained the lineup decision on this day: "I worried immensely early this morning. (Park) Hae-min is experiencing back pain and needs management. We are considering managing him for today and tomorrow, or possibly for a longer period. Since his defense and running are fine, he might be able to play in the later stages of the game."

Prior to the game, there were significant changes to the first-division roster. Starting pitchers Yoni Chirinos (33) and Son Ju-young (28) were called up along with outfielder Kim Ju-seong (28). In return, catcher Kim Min-su (35), left-handed pitcher Kim Yu-young (32), and infielder Son Yong-jun (26) were removed from the roster.

Chirinos and Son Ju-young were scheduled call-ups. Chirinos recorded 1 win and 2 losses with an ERA of 6.75 in four games this season before being removed from the first-division roster on the 22nd of last month due to elbow pain. Son Ju-young had been sidelined just before the season opener due to a right adductor strain and has now finally completed preparations for his return to actual play.

Son Ju-young was originally scheduled to appear only in situations where the team was trailing by one or two runs, but his appearance was confirmed for this day. This was due to the all-out effort the previous day, which utilized nine relief pitchers. With pitchers Kim Jin-seong and Ham Deok-ju, who had pitched on consecutive days, and Kim Young-woo, who threw 1 2/3 innings (40 pitches), all excluded, there were no suitable pitchers available to throw.

Manager Yeom drew a line: "Whether we win or lose today (9th), Son Ju-young will pitch within 2 innings and 40 pitches. He will be brought in immediately after Chirinos. Players who have pitched on consecutive days or those who have thrown a lot, like (Kim) Young-woo, will not be used."

He added, "(Kang) Hoon was originally not supposed to pitch on consecutive days, but since he threw only seven pitches yesterday, he might be able to come out. However, he will not be brought in if the team is losing. (Kim) Jin-su and (Bae) Jae-jun will be used earlier, and for the time being, (Jang) Hyun-sik will take over the closing role."

Even with preparations, the unpredictable situations seem endless, deepening the manager's concerns. Manager Yeom sighed, "We have to reorganize the batting order and are worried about the closer. If this continues, the season will be too difficult, so we need to find a solution."

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*This content was translated by AI.