"Unwavering despite the rain": KIA sticks with bold "DH Han Jun-soo" card! Starting lineup remains unchanged

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Although the schedule was delayed by one day due to rain, Lee Beom-ho (45), manager of the KIA Tigers, made a firm choice. He deployed the "Han Jun-soo as designated hitter" gamble, which had seen only 61 at-bats in the regular season, unchanged for the first game of the Playoffs.

Ahead of Game 1 of the 2026 KBO postseason Playoffs (PO, best-of-five series) against the Samsung Lions on the 26th at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, KIA submitted their starting lineup without changing a single position from what was announced the previous day. Although rain before the start of the game on the 25th led to a postponement decision, the coaching staff's calculations and plans remained unshaken.

On this day, KIA will activate a table-setting duo consisting of Park Jeong-woo (center fielder) and Park Jae-hyun (left fielder). The middle of the lineup is built by Kim Do-young (third baseman), Castro (first baseman), and Na Seong-beom (right fielder), backed up by veteran Kim Sun-bin (second baseman). Following them, Han Jun-soo (designated hitter), Kim Tae-goon (catcher), and Ha Ju-seok (shortstop) occupy the lower part of the batting order, while ace James Neal guards the starting mound.

The most radical aspect is undoubtedly Han Jun-soo stepping in as the 7th batter and designated hitter. This season, Han Jun-soo handled 310 at-bats wearing the catcher's mask as the team's primary catcher, whereas he only entered 61 at-bats as a designated hitter. His playing time was overwhelmingly dominated by his role as a catcher rather than that of a specialized designated hitter.

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Nevertheless, the reason Manager Lee Beom-ho maintained the "Han Jun-soo as designated hitter" card, even with an extra day to consider due to the rain postponement, was clear. Ahead of the game on the previous day (the 25th), Manager Lee Beom-ho explained his decision to start Han Jun-soo as the designated hitter: "His on-base percentage is good, and with his contact ability, he can make the pitcher throw many balls. He also hit a home run in Game 3 of the Junior Playoffs. His condition is good. So I thought it would be better to place him behind Kim Sun-bin for the early part of the game."

The calculation is to entrust the catcher's role to Kim Tae-goon, who excels in pitching leadership and experience, to maintain his chemistry with Neal, while fully utilizing Han Jun-soo's plate discipline and contact ability to harass the opposing ace, aiming to increase the pitch count from the start of the game. The proven batting surge in the previous Junior Playoffs also played a decisive role in solidifying the bench's trust.

Although it is an unfamiliar position with only 61 at-bats in the regular season, the "Han Jun-soo DH" card, deployed under the clear intent of the manager, has emerged as a definitive turning point for the first game of the Daegu away series.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original