"The strike zone approach is excellent."

KIA Tigers infielder Yoon Do-hyun (22) has successfully completed spring training and is set to participate in exhibition games. KIA will travel to Busan following their training session at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 7th, with the opening game of the exhibition matches scheduled for the 8th. This will be Yoon's first participation in an exhibition game in three years, making it a meaningful event.

Yoon Do-hyun is one of the gains from the spring training. Last year was challenging. He showcased considerable destructive power, hitting numerous long balls and capturing the attention of new manager Lee Beom-ho. However, he suffered an injury to his side while preparing for the final exhibition game, sidelining him for participation. He began the season on the second team and suffered a rib fracture during his return.

This year's spring training was different. He completed it healthily. During the second practical camp in Okinawa, he got hits, and in the final practice game against KT Wiz, he hit a two-run homer that went over the left fence as a sharply struck line drive. It was a decisive moment reflecting the results of the five-week camp following the Irvine camp.

Praise from those around him has been abundant. Everyone recognizes his batting ability. Notably, he received the endorsement of new left fielder Patrick Wisdom, who hit 88 home runs in Major League Baseball. When asked to name an impressive batter, Kim Do-young pointed out Yoon Do-hyun alongside him, stating, "His setup posture and balance are as good as Do-young’s. His strike zone approach ability is excellent," and raised his thumb.

Manager Lee Beom-ho has focused on developing Yoon Do-hyun as a starter. He consistently fielded Yoon as a starter during the Okinawa practical camp to gain experience. It appears that a similar approach will continue in the exhibition games. Yoon Do-hyun’s position is as a versatile infielder, covering second baseman, third baseman, and shortstop. He has also managed all three positions during the camp. In the exhibition games, he is expected to play in the infield.

Although he is a backup, he has been designated as the fourth infielder. He intends to start whenever the starters are resting or injured. His role is to complete the game from start to finish. Manager Lee stated, "If the starters are absent, it is correct for Yoon Do-hyun to enter the starting lineup for four at-bats," citing the need to utilize his excellent batting abilities.

After receiving a last-minute call-up to the first team last year, he recorded a batting average of .400, with 1 home run, 8 RBIs, and an OPS of 1.000 over 6 games. He displayed his abilities as a rival of Kim Do-young during high school. Manager Lee considered him for the Korean Series roster but excluded him in favor of needing specialized backup defensive players rather than pinch hitters, keeping Yoon Do-hyun’s name in mind while successfully completing the spring training.

His primary goal is to prove his batting skills while experiencing teams' A-level pitchers in the exhibition games. Furthermore, there are expectations that he will demonstrate greater stability if he continues to gain practical experience in defense. He has his sights set on the coveted first professional opening day roster and participation. Yoon Do-hyun approaches the exhibition games with unparalleled anticipation.

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