*This content was translated by AI.
Behind the decision to exclude key batters from the starting lineup for Samsung Lions, which was thought to be rest for physical management, lay a hidden injury setback.
Samsung announced a surprising starting lineup ahead of their away game against SSG Landers in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' at Incheon SSG Landers Field on the 5th.
This meant that star batter Koo Ja-wook, who hit four hits in the previous day's (4th) game, and Choi Hyung-wook, who led the team's offense with a multi-hit performance (two hits), were both excluded from the starting lineup. This was interpreted as rest for physical management and strategic arrangement for the core power that fueled the hot hitting streak during the winning run.
However, the true reason revealed through an interview with manager Park Jin-man before the game was not rest but 'injury aftermath.' When meeting reporters on-site ahead of the match, Manager Park clearly drew a line against simple rest in response to StarNews's inquiry about excluding Koo Ja-wook and Choi Hyung-wook from the starting lineup: "Our team is currently running for the lead race; there is no situation where we can afford rest."
Manager Park then conveyed the specific condition of the players. He stated, "Koo Ja-wook is experiencing some discomfort in his shoulder. It seems difficult for him to play today," hinting at the possibility of sitting out. Regarding Choi Hyung-wook, he explained, "His left hip is not in good shape," adding, "For today's game, we are only preparing him as a potential pinch hitter."
For Samsung, which was aiming for a four-game winning streak at the end of the first half, it meant that two key batters showing peak hitting form were simultaneously sidelined due to injuries. Manager Park expressed regret, saying, "There are only four games left in the first half; now is not the time to rest," and added, "We must pour all our strength into these four games."
Meanwhile, young players filled the spots left by the key batters. Samsung set its starting lineup for the day as follows: Kim Ji-chan (designated hitter), Kim Sung-yoon (right fielder), Kim Hyun-jun (center fielder), Park Seung-gyu (left fielder), Diaz (first baseman), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), Kang Min-ho (catcher), Sim Jae-hoon (shortstop), and Jeon Byeong-woo (third baseman).
Notably, outfielder Kim Hyun-jun, who had appeared only as a substitute in all six games earlier this season, was suddenly deployed as the third batter and center fielder, seizing his first starting opportunity of the season. At shortstop, Sim Jae-hoon took over behind the mound instead of Kim Sang-jun.
Right-handed pitcher Yang Chang-seop will take the mound as the starting pitcher to shut down the SSG lineup and challenge for a four-game consecutive victory for Samsung. It remains quite intriguing whether Samsung can overcome this massive injury setback among its core players and continue its four-game winning streak.
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*This content was translated by AI.
