'Peraza Excluded from Starting Lineup for Third Consecutive Game' Manager Kim Kyung-moon: "I think Yu-min can play better..." Looking Toward Next Year [Jamsil On-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

With Moon Hyun-bin and Noh Si-hwan absent, Yonatan Peraza (28) was once again left on the bench.

On the 20th, Hanwha will start against LG Twins in their 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Songpa-gu, Seoul, leaving Peraza on the bench.

For this game, Hanwha set its starting lineup as follows: Choi In-ho (center fielder), Park Jung-hyun (third baseman), Han Ji-yoon (left fielder), Kang Baek-ho (designated hitter), Heo In-seo (catcher), Kim Tae-yeon (first baseman), Jung Eun-won (second baseman), Yu-min (right fielder), and Lee Do-yoon (shortstop). The starting pitcher is Hwang Jun-seo.

With key hitters Moon Hyun-bin and Noh Si-hwan away to participate in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, a reliable hitter was needed, yet even Peraza is being rested.

Peraza has been left out for two consecutive games and did not make the starting lineup today either. Before the game, Manager Kim met with reporters and said, "Peraza is also waiting for his chance," adding, "I believe Yu-min can perform better than him, so I'm giving him the start. He seems quite tense. He needs to seize the opportunity when it comes. That's how the team will grow stronger. We'll see him today. I also want to observe how he fights a bit more."

There is no issue with Peraza's performance this season. In 124 games, he has hit .292 (126 hits in 432 at-bats), with 20 home runs, 67 RBIs, and 86 runs scored. His on-base percentage stands at 0.411, slugging percentage at 0.507, and OPS (on-base plus slugging) at 0.918.

Even in September, he has hit .366 (15 hits in 41 at-bats) over 13 games, so his exclusion is more likely a strategic move to give opportunities to younger players who need to develop rather than due to any lack of ability.

This decision also aligns with the team's situation, as playoff hopes have faded. Hanwha has played 129 games so far, recording 54 wins, 71 losses, and 4 draws, placing them in ninth position. Even if they win all remaining 15 games, they will not reach a .500 winning percentage.

Sim Woo-jun is also being rested. Manager Kim stated, "He seems a bit tired today, so Lee Do-yoon will start first. Depending on the situation, we plan to bring him in as a pinch runner."

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*This content was translated by AI.