Right behind Choi Won-tae! Park Jin-man: "In Game 2, he came out at the end, but... in Playoffs Game 3, it could be different → There is ample possibility of change"

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Samsung Lions Manager Park Jin-man hinted at the possibility of an unconventional deployment regarding when Won Tae-in, who served as the closer in Playoffs Game 2, would be deployed in Game 3, stating, "We might handle it a bit differently."

Won Tae-in took on the heavy responsibility of closer in Games 1 and 2 after original closer Kim Jae-yoon was sidelined with an adductor muscle injury. He entered both games with the game plan that he would take the mound if a save situation arose. In Game 2, held in Daegu on the 27th, he took the field in the ninth inning while leading 8-3, and cleanly wrapped up the game with a perfect one-inning performance featuring two strikeouts. Although it was not a save situation, he directly ended the game himself.

However, Game 3, which is expected to be the decisive moment, is projected to have a different dynamic. With the series tied at one win and one loss, the possibility of him stepping in during an even more critical situation has been left open. Speaking to reporters on site ahead of Playoffs Game 3 on the 29th, Manager Park Jin-man said, "(Won) Tae-in is the closer, so he went out last in Game 2, but Game 3 is the turning point of the series," adding, "He might not be the closer. There is ample possibility of change." He revealed his intention to utilize Won Tae-in, who threw 22 pitches in Game 2, not just as a ninth-inning closer, but as an early-deployment card to support starter Choi Won-tae at critical junctures.

Nevertheless, he also expressed confidence in Choi Won-tae, who is set to start on this day. Manager Park Jin-man said, "The first inning will be important. If Choi Won-tae is in good condition, he has the stuff to comfortably carry the game through the middle innings. If we don't fall behind in the starting pitcher battle, we have a chance to win in the late innings," adding, "He also performed well last autumn, and he likely has that memory," expressing expectations for a strong pitching performance.

Meanwhile, Samsung fielded its starting lineup with Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Park Seung-gyu (right fielder), Koo Ja-wook (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), Choi Hyeong-woo (left fielder), Kang Min-ho (catcher), Jeon Byung-woo (third baseman), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second baseman), and Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop).

Manager Park Jin-man, who opted to start Jeon Byung-woo instead of Kim Young-woong because he has a memory of hitting a home run against opposing starter Shiraoka Keisuke, explained, "Byung-woo has good memories against Shiraoka, so we made a change in the lineup." He continued, "Shiraoka is good at pickoff attempts, but he also throws batted balls that pop up. We prepared for that aspect and will respond aggressively if the situation arises," previewing active baserunning plays.

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

*This content was translated by AI.View Original