"It's unfortunate that a player got injured, but it could be an opportunity for the other players."
The professional baseball team NC Dinos made changes to its first-team roster amid unexpected consecutive injuries.
NC removed Matt Davidson (left thigh adductor), Cheon Jae-hwan (left foot), Go Jun-hwi and Ha Jun-young from the roster and called up Oh Tae-yang, Kwon Hee-dong, Oh Young-su and Mok Ji-hoon to the first team ahead of the Samsung Lions game in Changwon on the 8th.
There was also a variable for the starting pitcher. Asia quota player Toda Natsuki was scheduled to start that day but was unable to take the mound because of stiffness in his right back, and Mok Ji-hoon took the starting mound instead.
Meeting the press before the game, manager Lee Ho-jun said, "Davidson can return in 10 days. He was getting better, so it's unfortunate."
He added, "It's unfortunate that a player got injured, but it could be an opportunity for the other players," and "Baseball is not played by one person. Since they all did well as amateurs and made it to the pros, I hope they make the most of the opportunity."
He also expressed expectations for a reinforcement to the batting lineup. Manager Lee Ho-jun said, "They finished the Incheon road trip and arrived early this morning, so they must be tired, but I have a good feeling. It means we were waiting for their return," and "Kwon Hee-dong is currently in very good condition. He hit a home run in the Futures, and since he rested a lot, it's time for him to produce now."
He also expressed expectations for Oh Young-su, judging that his power will bolster the lineup.
NC set the starting lineup as shortstop Kim Joo-won, center fielder Han Seok-hyun, second baseman Park Min-woo, designated hitter Park Geon-woo, left fielder Lee Woo-sung, right fielder Kwon Hee-dong, first baseman Oh Young-su, catcher Kim Hyung-joon and third baseman Do Tae-hoon. The starting pitcher is Mok Ji-hoon.
About Mok Ji-hoon, who earned the starting opportunity, he said, "His pace in the Futures was very good. We had planned to use him once as a starter, and it's fortunate that he goes out when he's in good condition," and left an ominous remark: "If he pitches well today, who knows what might happen."
Oh Tae-yang showed off a scorching bat in the Futures with a .340 average (53 at-bats, 18 hits), three home runs, 13 RBIs and 14 runs. Manager Lee Ho-jun said, "Oh Tae-yang also received good reports in the Futures. We plan to use him in the later part of the game."
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