“Why is Kang Min-ho still in the lineup despite being an ‘automatic out’?” Manager Park Jin-man answered: “Just sitting behind the plate provides a different sense of stability.”

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Although he has been labeled an “automatic out” due to a rib injury that makes normal hitting impossible, the manager’s unwavering faith in him shows no signs of shaking. This is because of the irreplaceable presence Kang Min-ho (41, Samsung Lions) exudes when he dons his catcher’s mask.

Kang Min-ho has endured a severe batting slump, going 0-for-6 in the three games of this Korea Series. He recorded only one hit by pitch. As is already known, an adverse factor lies behind this: a rib injury. Due to the aftermath of the injury, it is a regrettable situation where his stance at the plate is visibly not normal when he swings. As he repeatedly fails to reach base in the lineup amid a tense pitching duel, some fans have expressed concern and even demanded that he be removed from the starting lineup.

However, the manager’s perspective was different. Manager Park Jin-man clearly explained why he cannot remove Kang Min-ho from the lineup despite his poor batting performance. He emphasized that the “stability” Kang Min-ho provides to the pitching staff and the bench is significantly different simply by having him sit behind the plate.

Fortunately, Kang Min-ho experiences no major strain during defensive plays; he feels discomfort only when hitting. He is currently completing training normally and maintaining a physical condition that allows him to take the field wearing his catcher’s mask. Unbeknownst to many, his defensive innings played have already reached 66 innings across eight games in this postseason.

Above all, the player’s own will to play is resolute. Regarding the very poor results of his hospital examination, Kang Min-ho displayed a stoic attitude, stating, “There is no need to boast about being in pain. I am enduring it.” He then revealed his earnest inner thoughts, saying, “I want to be helpful to the team in some way,” and adding, “If I truly have a soul, I am burning it out; I am doing this with utmost desperation.”

Manager Park Jin-man judged that on the Korea Series stage—a short series weighed down by immense pressure—the veteran catcher’s ability to lead pitchers and manage the game more than offsets his shortcomings at the plate. In particular, Manager Park Jin-man emphasized regarding Kang Min-ho, “He must play until he collapses,” given the current team atmosphere and strength, sending a message of unlimited trust to the starting catcher who leads the mound.

In essence, his value as a solid shield that steadies wavering pitchers has been fully recognized, surpassing the immediate need for a single hit. Attention is focused on whether veteran Kang Min-ho, who has set aside his disappointment at the plate and physical pain to pledge to “burn out his soul,” can repay the manager’s steadfast faith by serving as a perfect guardian of home plate in the remaining games of the series.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original