“Lee Hyung-jong was sent down to the second team to readjust”스포츠토토
Kiwoom Heroes head coach Hong Won-ki spoke about Lee Hyung-jong’s removal from the first team in an interview before the team’s game against the LG Twins in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on Wednesday.
Kiwoom’s starting lineup was Lee Yong-kyu (designated hitter), Kim Hye-sung (shortstop), Ronnie Dawson (left fielder), Song Sung-moon (third baseman), Lee Joo-hyung (center fielder), Kim Woong-bin (first baseman), Kim Dong-heon (catcher), Ye Jin-won (right fielder), and Kim Tae-jin (second baseman). The starting pitcher is Ariel Hurtado. Lee Hyung-jong was removed from the first team roster and Ye Jin-won was called up.
Kiwoom Heroes Lee Hyung-jong. /OSEN DB
Lee Hyung-jong has struggled this season, batting just 2-for-64 (287 at-bats) with three home runs, 32 RBIs, and a .664 OPS in 87 games. In his last 10 games, he’s batting just 2-for-1 (7-for-33). This is the first time this season that Lee has been removed from the first team roster.
Manager Hong Won-ki said, “Lee Hyung-jong was sent down to the second team to readjust. I had a meeting with him yesterday, and although he didn’t show it outwardly, he has been struggling a lot this year because he didn’t get the results he expected and aimed for. We decided that he shouldn’t be delayed any longer, so we expunged him from the first team. I hope it will be an opportunity to readjust and refresh.”
Kiwoom Heroes Lee Hyung-jong. /OSEN DB
“We don’t have a timetable for his return to the first team,” said head coach Hong Won-ki, adding, “Lee Hyung-jong isn’t particularly sick, so he can come back if he picks up his pace. I hope he will come back after talking a lot with the coaching staff, whether it’s technical or mental.” /f