'Hong Chang-gi and Oh Ji-hwan Absent': LG Unveils Shocking Lineup for Kiwoom Match! Koo Bon-hyeok Leads Off, Moon Jung-bin at No. 4 → Yeom Kyung-yeop: "They Need to Gain Experience in Moments Like This"

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins unveiled a shocking lineup to face the Kiwoom Heroes. Notably, key hitters Oh Ji-hwan and Hong Chang-gi were surprisingly excluded from the starting lineup.

On the 22nd, ahead of their matchup against Kiwoom in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' at Seoul Jamsil Baseball Stadium, LG announced its starting lineup. The lineup was arranged as follows: Koo Bon-hyeok (shortstop), Park Hae-min (center fielder), Austin (designated hitter), Moon Jung-bin (first baseman), Park Dong-won (catcher), Song Chan-ui (left fielder), Lee Jae-won (right fielder), Lee Young-bin (third baseman), and Shin Min-jae (second baseman).

The most striking aspect is the absence of 'unshakable leadoff hitter' Hong Chang-gi and 'captain' and starting shortstop Oh Ji-hwan. LG manager Yeom Kyung-yeop explained, "Oh Ji-hwan is not feeling well physically, so he will likely be moved back in the lineup. Hong Chang-gi also hasn't had enough rest, so we decided to sit him for now. Still, (Hong) Chang-gi seems to be gradually regaining his batting touch." An LG club official added, "Oh Ji-hwan is not feeling well in his hip area. This is a precautionary exclusion."

Young players will fill the void left by the two athletes. Koo Bon-hyeok will bat leadoff and play shortstop, tasked with opening up the offense. Park Hae-min will follow at second base, while 'lucky foreign hitter' Austin Dean will anchor the lineup at third as the designated hitter. The most shocking arrangement is at the fourth spot. Rookie Moon Jung-bin will make a surprise start as the fourth hitter and first baseman, entrusted with the role of solving the heart of the batting order.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop stated regarding the selection of rookie position players, "It is important to keep playing in games when batting touch is good. They need to gain experience at times like this."

Meanwhile, right-handed pitcher Lee Jeong-yong will take the mound for LG today. In 12 games this season, he has recorded no wins or losses, one hold, and an ERA of 4.64. Today's game marks his fourth start of the season. In his previous appearance on the 16th against Incheon SSG, he pitched 3⅔ innings, allowing seven hits and two runs, throwing 68 pitches.

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*This content was translated by AI.