Korea's Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung has named key player, home catcher Yoo Kang-nam, who will sit behind the plate for the first time after knee surgery.
Lotte will face the Chiba Lotte Marines in the Miyazaki Spring League match on the 1st at the Miyako nozou Stadium in Miyazaki, Japan. The previous day (Feb. 28), Korean Lotte lost 1-3 in an exchange match organized by the Lotte Group. Starting pitcher Park Se-woong recorded 1 earned run over 3 innings, and Na Seung-yeop hit a solo home run, but it was not enough.
On that day, Lotte's starting lineup consisted of Jang Du-sung (center fielder), Ko Seung-min (second baseman), Son Ho-young (third baseman), RAY (left fielder), Na Seung-yeop (first baseman), Jeong Hoon (designated hitter), Park Seung-wook (shortstop), taxes (right fielder), and Yoo Kang-nam (catcher). The starting pitcher was Tucker Davidson.
Yoo Kang-nam sitting behind the plate is a notable aspect. Yoo underwent surgery on his left knee meniscus in mid-July last year. He was declared out for the season, and it was suggested that his rehabilitation would take 7 months.
However, Yoo Kang-nam diligently rehabilitated and showed his determination to make a comeback by losing 13 kg during the recovery period. Rehabilitation progressed smoothly, and by the end of the Miyazaki Spring League, he was able to wear the catcher’s mask.
Yoo Kang-nam is one of the key players identified by manager Kim Tae-hyung this year. Kim noted, “This year, Yoo really needs to perform well. Our catchers have been carrying a burden since last year, and young catchers need to grow. We need the strength of veteran starters to lead and stabilize the young pitchers. Only then can the young pitchers grow.”
Yoo Kang-nam also said, “I think I need to do well. I feel that much pressure to perform. Since I ended last season early, I have a strong desire to make up for it. If I can be more helpful to the team, I think our team will perform better.” This day marks the official start of Yoo Kang-nam's 2025 season.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Matt Davidson is making his appearance 6 days after starting against the Seibu Lions in an exhibition game on the 23rd. At that time, Davidson recorded 2 innings with 3 walks, 3 strikeouts, and 1 earned run. His fastball reached a maximum speed of 148 km.
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