'Wow, Gochok will be fun!' Seo Geon-chang makes his first-ever outfield start → Until 'MLB 50-home run' Hira's debut

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes, who have fallen into a six-game losing streak, will unveil a "historic, unprecedented lineup" that will stir the hearts of baseball fans visiting Gochok Dome. Infielder Seo Geon-chang (37) will make his first-ever outfield start since his professional debut, and new foreign hitter Keston Hira, who boasts 50 career home runs in Major League Baseball, will finally make his KBO League debut.

On the 30th, Kiwoom Heroes announced their starting lineup ahead of their home game against KT Wiz at Gochok Sky Dome in Guro-gu, Seoul, as part of the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League'. Facing KT Wiz starter Moon Yong-ik, Kiwoom Heroes set their batting order as follows: Seo Geon-chang (left fielder), Lee Hyung-jong (right fielder), Hira (designated hitter), An Chi-hong (second baseman), Lim Byung-wook (center fielder), Kim Woong-bin (third baseman), Choi Ju-hwan (first baseman), Park Sung-bin (catcher), and Oh Sun-jin (shortstop). The starting pitcher is left-hander Park Jeong-hoon.

The most eye-catching move is undoubtedly the inclusion of leadoff hitter Seo Geon-chang in the left fielder position. Seo Geon-chang, known as the "national team second baseman" who was the first in KBO League history to record 200 hits in a single season and swept the Golden Glove awards, is making a bold experiment by starting as an outfielder for the first time in his professional career.

Recently, Seo Geon-chang, who signed a two-year contract extension with Kiwoom Heroes and declared himself a "lifelong Kiwoom" player, boldly took the left fielder position to fill the team's outfield void and maximize the productivity of the batting lineup. This marks his first outfield start since his KBO League debut. However, it is not his first outfield appearance. He previously made a substitute appearance for the KIA Tigers against Kiwoom Heroes on March 26, 2025, playing one inning in left field. Fans are watching closely to see how the veteran's class and baseball sense will be displayed in the unfamiliar space of the outfield.

The "power hitter" Keston Hira, whom fans have been eagerly awaiting, will finally be unveiled today. Hira, acquired as a replacement for Trenton Brooks for a total of $500,000, was suddenly placed in the starting lineup as the third designated hitter.

Hira, who hit 50 career home runs while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers and other teams during his Major League days, is a right-handed power hitter known for his overwhelming power. During this season's spring training, he shared a meal with Kim Hye-seong of the Los Angeles Dodgers and hit back-to-back home runs in exhibition games, making him a familiar figure to domestic fans. He is expected to be a "savior" who will add firepower to Kiwoom Heroes' sluggish core batting lineup.

Kiwoom Heroes manager Seol Jong-jin (53) explained about Hira: "Today, he will bat as a designated hitter and only take his turn at the plate. We are considering him for left field or first base in the future." He added regarding Seo Geon-chang's outfield deployment: "He has been training in the outfield since we signed Hira. This deployment was made considering double switches during the game."

Meanwhile, ahead of today's game, Kiwoom Heroes removed outfielder Park Ju-hong and infielder Choi Jae-young from the roster and registered Park Jeong-hoon and Hira.

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*This content was translated by AI.