The character is very optimistic and is a player who shows an active presence on the ground. He won't be nervous even in the opening game.

Kiwoom Heroes manager Hong Won-ki expressed expectations for rookie infielder Yeo Dong-wook's performance ahead of the regular season opener against the Samsung Lions on the 22nd.

After graduating from Sangwon High School, Yeo Dong-wook, who is wearing the Kiwoom uniform this season, finished with a batting average of .214 in spring training but made a name for himself by hitting 2 home runs. His spirited play is his greatest asset, making it hard to believe he is a high school rookie.

Yeo Dong-wook will start as the 7th third baseman in the regular season opener against the Samsung Lions at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 22nd. Meeting with reporters before the game, manager Hong Won-ki said, "The character is very optimistic and is a player who shows an active presence on the ground. He won't be nervous even in the opening game."

He also noted, "Yeo Dong-wook is a player who shows his performance in any situation. He hit home runs in the first and last games of spring training, and although he had a lot of swings and misses, he always has a strong swing and doesn't get intimidated."

There are areas in defense that need improvement. Manager Hong Won-ki said, "Defense still needs time, but it's improving."

Foreign hitter Yasiel Puig will bat as the 2nd designated hitter. Manager Hong Won-ki said, "He needed to manage his condition due to symptoms of a strained abdomen from the middle of spring training. He has prepared his body well for the opening game."

He added, "Seeing him train, it seems he has prepared well. In the opening game, existing players tend to feel tense. Since we shouldn't overdo it, he was used as a designated hitter."

Meanwhile, Kiwoom's starting lineup consists of 2nd baseman Song Seong-mun, designated hitter Yasiel Puig, center fielder Lee Joo-hyung, right fielder Ruben Cardines, 1st baseman Choi Joo-hwan, shortstop Kim Tae-jin, 3rd baseman Yeo Dong-wook, left fielder Park Joo-hong, and catcher Kim Jae-hyun. Left-hander Kenny Rosenberg will take the mound.

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