'Released by SSG' Outfielder Makes First Start After Joining KT; Lee Jung-beom Named as No. 7 Designated Hitter

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Jung-beom, now in a KT uniform, has finally secured his first start opportunity in his new team.

KT announced its starting lineup ahead of the away game against LG Twins at Seoul Jamsil Stadium on the 20th. Earlier in the week, KT lost both of two games in a three-game series, putting them in danger of being swept.

The most notable name in KT's lineup for this day was Lee Jung-beom, listed as the No. 7 designated hitter. This marks Lee's first start at the first division level since May 24, when he played as a first baseman against Gwangju KIA Tigers while still with SSG Landers — a span of 88 days. It is also his first start since joining KT.

A graduate of Incheon High School, Lee was selected in the second round (46th overall) of the 2017 rookie draft by SK Wyverns (now SSG). He earned recognition for his refined batting skills, posting a career Futures League batting average of 0.315. However, due to defensive shortcomings, he failed to secure a stable spot in the first division. After attempting a position change to first baseman, he recorded a .226 batting average with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 50 games for SSG before being released in June.

Eight days after his release, Lee was called up by KT on July 7 and assigned the number 0 jersey. After accompanying the first division team during the first half of the season, he has now made it into the starting lineup and faces a critical test.

For this game against LG's starting pitcher Park Si-won, KT set its starting lineup as follows: Choi Won-jun (center fielder), Kim Hyun-soo (first baseman), Ahn Hyeon-min (right fielder), Hilliard (left fielder), Heo Kyung-min (third baseman), Ryu Hyeon-in (second baseman), Lee Jung-beom (designated hitter), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop).

Go Young-pyo will take the mound as the starting pitcher. This season, he has appeared in 20 games with a record of 9 wins and 6 losses and an ERA of 3.70. Against LG this season, he has pitched twice, going 2-0 with an ERA of 1.38, showing strong performance.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.