'From 'Strongest Baseball' Kiwoom's Won Seong-jun makes a comeback as a starter after 325 days! 'Gwang-to-ma' Lee Hyung-jong removed due to finger sprain

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Won Seong-jun (26), known as 'From 'Strongest Baseball',' has finally made it into the first-division starting lineup for the first time this season. He is set to make a triumphant return as a starter after 325 days. Meanwhile, veteran outfielder 'Gwang-to-ma' Lee Hyung-jong (37) will be sidelined for the time being due to a finger injury.

Kiwoom Heroes announced its starting lineup ahead of its home game against Hanwha Eagles at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 13th. The batting order was set as follows: Seo Geon-chang (second baseman), Kim Woong-bin (designated hitter), Hiura (left fielder), Choi Ju-hwan (first baseman), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Yeo Dong-wook (third baseman), Won Seong-jun (right fielder), Kwon Hyuk-bin (shortstop), and Park Soo-jong (center fielder).

The most notable name is undoubtedly Won Seong-jun, who is starting as the seventh hitter and right fielder. Won Seong-jun's first-division start comes 325 days after his last appearance on July 23, 2025, against Lotte at Gocheok.

Won Seong-jun has been demonstrating formidable batting prowess in the Futures League (second division) recently. Over the month of May, he recorded an overwhelming 24 hits (first in the Northern Division), 18 RBIs (second in the Northern Division), a .343 batting average, a .571 slugging percentage, and a .466 on-base percentage. Based on this performance, he was honored as the 'Futures League Monthly MVP' for the first time in Goyang Heroes franchise history.

Kiwoom Heroes manager Seol Jong-jin (53) expressed confidence in the call-up, stating, "We received reports that Won Seong-jun has been in excellent condition throughout the past month and his swing has improved significantly." He added, "He received the highest evaluation among the second-division outfield resources, which is why he was called up to the first division." Won Seong-jun, who joined Kiwoom as a developmental player in 2024 after gaining fame through the popular baseball variety show 'Strongest Baseball,' now has the opportunity to prove his honed skills on the first-division stage. In 45 Futures League games, he recorded a .304 batting average (41 hits in 135 at-bats), one home run, and 32 RBIs.

Veteran outfielder Lee Hyung-jong, who had been leading the team's upward momentum, will take a brief rest due to an unexpected injury. Manager Seol Jong-jin announced the injury news, saying, "Lee Hyung-jong suffered an injury to the ligaments in his finger during training ahead of the game on the 12th." Following a hospital examination, a diagnosis was issued requiring approximately two weeks of rest and treatment. Consequently, the team removed Lee Hyung-jong from the first-division roster and registered Won Seong-jun, who has been showing excellent batting form in the second division, in his place. Lee Hyung-jong, who has been excluded from the roster, is expected to focus on rehabilitation for the time being.

Kiwoom's starting pitcher Alcantara will take the mound aiming for a victory. He has appeared in 12 games this season, posting a record of 6 wins and 4 losses with a 3.12 ERA. He made his season debut as a starter in the opening game on March 28 against Daejeon Hanwha, where he pitched 5⅓ innings, allowed 8 hits (including one home run), and gave up three runs.

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*This content was translated by AI.