Kia Tigers shortstop Park Chan-ho (29) will take a ten-day break.
Manager Lee Beom-ho removed Park Chan-ho from the roster before the second match against Kiwoom Heroes in the 2025 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 26th. He injured his right knee while attempting a steal the day before. Following an examination, he was diagnosed with a simple sprain due to a contusion.
After a few days of treatment and rest, he is expected to recover normally. Nevertheless, Manager Lee Beom-ho boldly excluded Park Chan-ho after careful consideration. This was the reason why the batting order was announced a bit late. In a briefing with reporters, Lee explained, "It's a contusion, and since it's slightly on the inside of the knee, I received an opinion that it wouldn't be easy for about a week. I thought it was best to remove him from the roster. With Do-young also out, it's not easy, but it's the beginning of the season. I won't push him too hard."
He aims to take a long-term view. However, with Kim Do-young (thigh injury) joining Park Chan-ho on the sidelines, the starting shortstop and third baseman have vanished from the lineup. Given their crucial roles in both offense and defense, a tough matchup is anticipated. Lee also noted, "It's difficult to play without key players such as the shortstop, third baseman, leadoff hitter, and the No. 3 batter. These players have a significant impact on both offense and defense and have excellent base-running ability. It's entirely difficult to replace them."
He added, "After the match against Kiwoom, we will face top teams like Hanwha, Samsung, and LG. We need to persevere. We must consider various new scoring methods. I will utilize players capable of executing strategies. If we can hit well from the middle of the lineup like yesterday, it would be easier, but against top teams, it often comes down to a one or two-point differential. We will find a way to win by playing detailed baseball."
Park Chan-ho was replaced by Byun Woo-hyuk from the Futures team. Additionally, starting pitcher Yoon Young-chul was added to the roster, while right-handed pitcher Kim Min-jae was excluded. The starting lineup was also changed. The starting lineup will feature Choi Won-jun (center fielder), Wisdom (first baseman), Na Sung-bum (right fielder), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Kim Sun-bin (second baseman), Lee Woo-sung (left fielder), Byun Woo-hyuk (third baseman), Kim Tae-kyun (catcher), and Yoon Do-hyun (shortstop).
Manager Lee stated, "Wisdom performed well at third base, but we moved him back to his original position and used Woo-hyuk at third. The decision to place Do-hyun at shortstop is not just about giving him a chance. I believe he is the most statistically probable player. I hope the players going out will showcase their skills. I believe they will seize the opportunity and make good plays."
Byun Woo-hyuk started the season in the Futures League but was called up to the first team after just four games. He has recorded 8 hits in 18 at-bats with a batting average of .444, 1 RBI, and 3 runs scored. Although he has not hit a home run, he has shown his power with 4 doubles. Last year, he recorded a batting average of .300 and is expected to have offensive capability. Attention is also on whether he will fill the vacancy at third base left by Kim Do-young.
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