Yeom Kyung-yeop, taking a long view: "No rush to promote Moon Bo-kyung; just because someone is ready doesn't mean they must be called up immediately"

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins manager Yeom Kyung-yeop (58) took a cautious stance regarding the return of key hitter and infielder Moon Bo-kyung (26), who is recovering from injury. While acknowledging that the team needs players for immediate wins, he emphasized his conviction that restoring full batting form takes priority.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop, speaking to reporters at the scene recently, stated, "Moon Bo-kyung has already begun technical training. We will observe his movements and consider various factors before (promoting him to the first division). We have no intention of rushing his return."

Moon Bo-kyung has been the offensive core this season, appearing in 30 games with a .310 batting average (31 hits in 100 at-bats), 3 home runs, 19 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.892. Evaluations suggest that his addition to the lineup would not only provide raw power but also maximize the "umbrella effect." Nevertheless, the manager stressed that there are no plans to urgently call him up to the first division.

The reason for Manager Yeom's caution extends beyond mere physical recovery. He remarked, "Just because a player is in a condition to play does not mean they should be promoted unconditionally. The most important factor is how much their batting feel has improved. Just because someone is physically healed doesn't mean they can immediately hit all the balls upon return, does it?" He pointed this out with cold clarity.

It is reported that Moon Bo-kyung is expected to complete his schedule in the Futures League shortly and then coordinate his return date to the first division. A promotion during the weekend three-game series against KIA Tigers at home in Jamsil, starting as early as the 29th, is considered highly likely.

This season, LG has seen frequent lineup changes more than ever before due to consecutive injuries and poor physical conditions among its regular players. The aftermath of the WBC (World Baseball Classic) held last March is clearly evident. Except for foreign hitter Austin Dean, the pace of the regular players has been difficult to maintain.

Despite this, Manager Yeom noted, "In general, we do not make major lineup changes during the season; we push forward with the roles assigned to players before the season starts. However, it seems we have made many changes this season." He also expressed a bitter sentiment about this season, while reiterating his belief that "for the team to stabilize, the regulars must fulfill their roles in their respective positions."

Even under these circumstances, as of the 26th, LG is holding up well with a decent record of 28 wins and 19 losses (winning percentage 0.596). They are currently in second place in the standings and have performed well in their last 10 games with 6 wins and 4 losses. Although the pattern has been alternating wins and losses, they have kept losing streaks short and avoided losing ground in the win column.

In fact, Manager Yeom added his philosophy as a coach, stating, "In a situation where we cannot sustain long winning streaks, forcing a continuation of wins will inevitably lead to severe losing streaks. Even when we lose, we must lose well, and the coaching staff must operate strategically to avoid overloading the players."

Finally, Manager Yeom remarked, "Focusing more when the momentum is good and maintaining that momentum for a long time is true skill." He once again hinted that the return of injured players, including Moon Bo-kyung and Moon Sung-ju, will occur at the perfect timing aligned with the team's long-term race momentum.

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*This content was translated by AI.