The reason why KIA Tigers superstar Kim Do-young missed the exhibition series in Changwon has been revealed.
KIA manager Lee Beom-ho met with the press before the exhibition game against Doosan Bears at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 13th and explained why Kim Do-young did not play in the games against NC Dinos on the 10th and 11th.
The manager explained, “He felt a bit uncomfortable in his back, so we intentionally held him out. Since it’s still the exhibition season, if there's anywhere that feels a bit sore or not right, we want to check it and take him out immediately. It’s for a quick recovery.” He added, “Fortunately, he is now fine, so he will participate in today’s game.”
Last year's regular season MVP, Kim Do-young, played against Lotte Giants on the 8th and 9th, recording 1 hit in 3 at-bats on both days, and took a rest in the games on the 10th and 11th against NC. With no game on the 12th, he had sufficient rest for three days, resulting in his back condition returning to normal.
Before the game, Kim Do-young said, “I had a slight feeling of discomfort in my back, but the manager quickly gave me a rest. I'm fine now, and there are no issues. It was just a minor bruise.”
With Kim Do-young's return, KIA set its starting lineup against Doosan ace Kwak Bin as follows: Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Choi Won-jun (center field), Kim Do-young (third base), Na Sung-bum (right field), Patrick Wisdom (first base), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Kim Sun-bin (second base), Kim Tae-gun (catcher), and Lee Woo-sung (left field).
Manager Lee Beom-ho noted, “We need to create a lineup that can score the most runs and can comfortably score when a run is needed. We can't just rely on one lineup, so we are considering various options.” He added, “In the case of Kim Do-young, I believe it's most important for him to bat third. When there are fast runners ahead of him, he can perform well in various roles, which will maximize our ability when a run is needed.”
The starting pitcher against Doosan is new foreign pitcher Adam Oller. Oller experienced the KBO League on the 8th against Lotte, pitching 3 innings with 4 hits allowed, no walks, 4 strikeouts, and 1 run allowed. He is scheduled to pitch 4 innings today.
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