Jeong Joo-hyun (33), the infielder who triggered the extreme anger of LG manager Yeom Kyung-yup, has returned.
On the 7th, ahead of the game against Gochuk Kiwoom, LG registered Jung Joo-hyun in the first team and removed college rookie infielder Song Dae-hyun from the first team. In 25 games this season, Jeong is batting .231 with five RBIs, three runs scored and a .481 OPS. His defence is more of a strength than his bat.메이저놀이터
LG had been using Kim Min-sung as the de facto second baseman due to Seo Geon-chang’s struggles, with Jung sharing some of Kim’s duties. However, Jung drew the ire of Yeom when he failed to steal third base against KIA in Gwangju on 27 March and was sent down to the second team the next day.
LG trailed 3-6 at the time. Jung led off the seventh inning with a single to left-centre and moved to second on Park Hae-min’s single. With runners on first and second, Hong Chang-ki was thrown out trying to steal third base on a 3B1S pitch. The timing of the out was perfect, with third baseman Byun Woo-hyuk waiting to tag the throw from catcher Shin Beom-soo.
With LG trailing by three runs, they were in no position to make a play. Moreover, Hong Chang-ki at the plate had a good run-scoring ability and a favourable ball count. In this situation, Jung’s sudden attempt and failure to steal a base was bound to incur the wrath of Yeom. His furious expression was captured by the broadcast cameras.
But that was the end of the mistake. Yeom decided to give Jeong another chance by calling him back into the first team. For now, he’s on the bench as a backup. Shin Min-jae will start at second base and Lee Joo-hyung will play left field. It’s been 725 days since Lee Ju-hyung started against Doosan in Jamsil on 12 June 2021. With Kim Hyun-soo out for the time being, the bottom of the order is slightly weaker.