Kia is using a modified lineup again after Kim Sun-bin’s hamstring injury. Recently, Kim Do-young has been batting third.

KIA’s starting lineup against Lotte in Busan on Wednesday was Choi Won-jun (first base), Park Chan-ho (shortstop), Kim Do-young (third base), Na Sung-beom (right field), Choi Hyung-woo (left field), Socrates Brito (center field), Ko Jong-wook (designated hitter), Han Jun-soo (catcher), and Hong Jong-pyo (second base). It’s a far cry from the full lineup. 메이저놀이터

Kim Sun-bin (34) left the midweek home three-game series against LG with a hamstring injury. It’s not a major injury, so he’s expected to return next week. In addition, starting catcher Kim Tae-gun was scratched to rest. Another notable change is that Ko Jong-wook is batting leadoff instead of Lee Woo-sung, as Lotte will use right-hander Jung Sung-jong. Hong Jong-pyo will bat first instead of Kim Kyu-sung.

This moves the triple-setter from the 9-2 spot to the 1-3 spot. Instead, Choi Won-jun continues to lead off, with Park Chan-ho batting second and Kim Do-young batting third. This batting order of Park Chan-ho at No. 2 and Kim Do-young at No. 3 is often utilized after Kim Sun-bin’s absence. With his clutch ability and long bat, Kim Do-young is a perfect fit at third.

KIA has lost two straight after a good start. They are 2.5 games behind fifth-place Doosan. Especially in the 11th game, Socrates Brito’s throwing error and errors by Kim Tae-gun and Choi Won-joon resulted in only one run as the batting order did not connect. Coach Kim Jong-kook also expressed some disappointment.