'Go Myeong-jun has returned.' Used at third base instead of Choi Jeong, offering a glimpse of the future SSG dreams of... the beneficial removal of Lee Ro from the first division [Incheon field report]

*This content was translated by AI.

He immediately took over at third base. This deployment offers a glimpse of the blueprint for the Cheongna era SSG Landers envisions. Go Myeong-jun (24) replaces Choi Jeong.

On the 17th, Go Myeong-jun will start as the seventh hitter and third baseman in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against Lotte Giants at Incheon SSG Landers Field.

SSG constructed its lineup with Park Sung-han (shortstop)-Jeong Jun-jae (second baseman)-Choi Jeong (designated hitter)-Kim Jae-hwan (left fielder)-Guillermo Heredia (right fielder)-Jeon Ui-san (first baseman)-Go Myeong-jun (third baseman)-Jo Hyung-woo (catcher)-Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder). The starting pitcher is Kim Geon-woo.

After going through Seokwang High School, Go Myeong-jun was drafted in the second round of the second stage of the 2021 rookie draft. Last year, he hit 17 home runs in 130 games, showing growth as a power hitter the team had expected.

His momentum at the start of this season was terrifying. In 17 games, he led the team's lineup with a batting average of 0.365, 4 home runs, 12 RBIs, 9 runs scored, an on-base percentage of 0.412, a slugging percentage of 0.635, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 1.047. However, on April 18, during a game against NC Dinos, he was hit by a pitch on his wrist, diagnosed with a fracture of the ulna (wrist), and devoted himself to rehabilitation.

During that time, SSG, which had been holding a spot in the upper ranks, had fallen as far as eighth place. With a record of 27 wins, 38 losses, and 1 tie, their winning percentage had dropped to the early 40s, and they were on a three-game losing streak when Go Myeong-jun returned.

Notably, he drew attention by starting at third base in his return game instead of Choi Jeong. Choi Jeong has still led the team's offense this season with a batting average of 0.294 and 16 home runs in 54 games, but due to his advanced age, he is inevitably facing a significant physical burden. Considering both the need to manage Choi Jeong's physical condition and SSG's future, Manager Lee Sung-yong believes Go Myeong-jun must establish himself at third base.

Manager Lee Sung-yong said, "We placed him a bit lower in the order at seventh. We thought the top of the lineup might be too burdensome, so for now, we are using him at seventh, and as the balance gradually improves, we plan to move him toward the center." He added, "For now, Myeong-jun will solidly hold down third base, and if (Jeon) Ui-san upgrades one more step throughout this season, the team will be able to use him with a long-term perspective. Those players will set the framework, and since the first and second spots are somewhat secured by (Park) Seong-han and Jun-jae, things will get even better if we proceed that way," expressing his expectations.

Meanwhile, Lee Ro, who had been suffering from severe struggles in the bullpen, was removed from the first division roster alongside Choi Yoon-seok on this day. Go Myeong-jun and pitcher Byun Geon-woo filled the vacant spots.

The manager said, "He must be the most struggling. I spoke with him briefly after the game, and he seemed to be struggling mentally as well. I felt we shouldn't push him further, so I sent him to the minor league and told him to rest today to gather his thoughts and spirit. He is a player our team needs and a key asset we must utilize," showing his confidence.

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*This content was translated by AI.