Moon Bo-kyung, twisted ankle in Busan! Expected to be on standby as a pinch-hitter against Kiwoom → Yeom Kyung-yeop: "We will continue to test Moon Jung-bin in the field."

*This content was translated by AI.

LG Twins' "key infielder" Moon Bo-kyung (26) has been excluded from the starting lineup due to an ankle injury. LG plans to start Moon Jung-bin (23), who has been hitting well, as the fourth hitter and third baseman, and will continue to test his defensive abilities.

The LG Twins will face the Kiwoom Heroes in the "2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League" at Seoul Gocheok Sky Dome on the 30th.

The announced lineup ahead of the game includes Song Chan-ui (designated hitter), Park Hae-min (center fielder), Austin Dean (first baseman), Moon Jung-bin (third baseman), Oh Ji-hwan (shortstop), Hong Chang-ki (right fielder), Park Dong-won (catcher), Moon Sung-ju (left fielder), and Shin Min-jae (second baseman). The starting pitcher is Tolhurst, who has recorded 8 wins and 5 losses with an ERA of 3.73 this season.

The most noticeable change is in the fourth spot in the batting order. Moon Bo-kyung, who has been the starting third baseman and fourth hitter, was sidelined due to a left ankle injury sustained during a road game against the Busan Lotte Giants and is now on standby. Ahead of the game, Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop told reporters, "Moon Bo-kyung twisted his ankle in Busan. We will check his condition over the weekend and decide on his participation." He added, "Starting today, he will likely be on standby mainly as a pinch-hitter for the road series against Kiwoom."

Moon Jung-bin, who has been in good hitting form recently, fills Moon Bo-kyung's spot. This is Moon Jung-bin's second time starting as the fourth hitter since June. He had a solid performance on the 28th against Lotte, going 3-for-5 with one home run and two RBIs in five at-bats. This season, in 27 games, he has posted a .319 batting average (22 hits in 69 at-bats), six home runs, and 18 RBIs.

Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop conveyed his plan to keep Moon Jung-bin in a fixed position while simultaneously developing his defensive skills. Regarding Moon Jung-bin, the manager explained, "He has been hitting well recently. When a player is in good hitting form, there is a high probability that their defense will also improve." He added, "I believe it is better to test them when they are doing well rather than when they are struggling."

Continuing, Manager Yeom said, "If he doesn't make any major mistakes, we plan to keep him in the field." While expressing his expectations, he also noted, "However, if he makes a major mistake, it could psychologically hinder the player, and the defensive burden could even disrupt his hitting rhythm. Young players tend to fluctuate greatly in such situations." This suggests that careful management will also be carried out.

It remains to be seen what kind of synergy effect LG's lineup, now on trial due to the sudden injury of a key player, will produce against Kiwoom's pitching mound.

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*This content was translated by AI.