Ryu Ji-hyuk, back in action! Samsung reveals lineup for 'close chase' against KT → Park Seung-kyu and Kim Young-woong OUT; Kim Sung-yoon and Jeon Byeong-woo IN

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk, who suffered a knee injury from a foul ball while at bat during the previous day's (8th) match against KIA Tigers, is set to return to full health and start. In the crucial third baseman position for the KT Wiz game, which could become a turning point in the race for the top standings, Jeon Byeong-woo will replace Kim Young-woong.

Ahead of their home game against KT in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League' at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 9th, Samsung announced its starting lineup.

On this day, Samsung arranged its batting order as follows: Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Kim Sung-yoon (right fielder), Ku Ja-wook (left fielder), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), Jeon Byeong-woo (third baseman), Diaz (first baseman), Kang Min-ho (catcher), and Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop).

The most notable change is Ryu Ji-hyuk's return to the starting lineup. Ryu set a personal record by appearing in his 1,200th career game, the 132nd such milestone in KBO history, during the previous day's (8th) match against KIA. However, he was substituted after being hit on his left knee by a foul ball in the bottom of the fourth inning. Although he complained of severe pain, raising concerns, it was confirmed to be a simple contusion, allowing him to start today as the fifth hitter and second baseman.

In addition, compared to the previous day's lineup, Kim Sung-yoon replaced Park Seung-kyu in right field, and Jeon Byeong-woo started at third base instead of regular starter Kim Young-woong. Foreign hitter Diaz, who was placed fifth in the batting order previously, has moved to seventh.

With the gap between teams narrowing, both sides will face off with their native ace pitchers: Won Tae-in (Samsung) and Ko Young-pyo (KT), who will take the mound as starters.

Samsung's starting pitcher Won Tae-in has appeared in 21 games this season, recording 7 wins, 6 losses, and an ERA of 4.26. While his overall season performance has shown some inconsistency, he has demonstrated strong form against KT with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and an ERA of 3.24 in three appearances. For Samsung to gain momentum, it is essential that Won Tae-in limits early runs and pitches around six innings.

Facing him is KT's starter Ko Young-pyo, who has recorded 10 wins, 6 losses, and an ERA of 4.00 in 23 games this season, anchoring the team's starting rotation. While his overall season stats slightly surpass Won Tae-in's, he struggled somewhat against Samsung this year with a record of 1 win, 1 loss, and an ERA of 4.50 in two appearances. Ko's signature precise control and ability to induce ground balls are expected to be key in minimizing long hits from the Samsung lineup in today's game.

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*This content was translated by AI.