Samsung's Choi Hyoung-woo Returns to Starting Lineup After 3 Games… Batting 4th as DH Against kt

Samsung Lions' key hitter Choi Hyoung-woo, who has recently been in a slump, returns to the starting lineup after three games.

Samsung placed Choi in the cleanup spot as the designated hitter for today's (June 9) game against the kt wiz at kt wiz Park in Suwon.

Choi, who had been performing at an age-defying level with phenomenal hitting ability since the start of the season, has struggled in his last 10 games, recording a .152 batting average with one home run and five RBIs.

His trademark plate discipline also appeared shaken, as he drew only five walks while striking out 10 times, and he has been hitless in his last five consecutive games.

The Samsung bench used Choi only as a late-game pinch hitter on June 6 and 7 after he struggled, going 0-for-3 in the game against the KIA Tigers in Gwangju on June 5.

Choi's season stats remain among the league's best, with a .322 batting average, eight home runs, 42 RBIs, and an OPS (on-base plus slugging) of 0.931 in 56 games.

Samsung manager Park Jin-man emphasized, "He is not a player at a level where I need to discuss his technique. It seems to be a physical stamina issue," adding, "The weight of our lineup is completely different depending on whether Choi is in it or not."

He also added, "Early in the season when the weather was cool, he could play as an outfielder, but as it gets hotter, he will mainly serve as a designated hitter to manage his stamina. We need to help him focus solely on his at-bats."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.