Samsung director Park Jin-man: “Choi Chae-heung, back from the army and back to dignity”
He came back from the army and showed a lot of character.”
Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man is excited about Choi Chae-heung, who will take the mound for the Lions after returning from the military.
Park spoke about Choi Chae-heung, who will take the mound for the Samsung Lions on 13 March against the LG Twins in the 2023 KBO Baseball League at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul.
Choi, who made his professional debut in the 2018 season, is a left-hander with a 26-22 record and a 4.18 ERA in 403 innings pitched in 88 games (65 starts). He joined the Armed Forces Athletic Corps (Commerce) after the 2021 season and was discharged from the army the previous day (12th), so he was able to take the mound immediately.
Manager Park Jin-man told me before the game, “(Choi Chae-heung) said, ‘I was discharged from the army with a body that can throw more than 100 pitches. He showed a majestic appearance because he went to the army. (His body) seems to be better. My shoulders are broader, and I had a little bit of breast before the army, but I think I’ve been training a lot and have built up my muscles well. I think the company has done a good job of systematic training.”
Park continued, “I met him (Choi Chae-heung) yesterday (12th) when he was travelling, and I liked how confident he was, and how strong he looked. His short hair made him look more commanding,” Park added.
Choi Chae-heung’s selection as the starting pitcher for the day was also based on good memories from the past, as he threw his first career complete game against LG on 30 September 2020 in Jamsil.
“Even before Choi Chae-heung went to the army, he showed a confident performance against LG,” said Park Jin-man.
Regardless of the outcome of the game, Choi will remain in the starting line-up for the time being. “In the current situation, we will continue to use him,” Park said, “We have injuries in the middle of the season. I think Choi Chae-heung should stay in the starting five.” 메이저사이트
In addition to Choi, Samsung’s starting lineup was Kim Ji-chan (second base), Kim Hyun-joon (centre field), Kim Jae-sung (designated hitter), Kang Min-ho (catcher), Oh Jae-il (first base), Jose Pirela (left field), Lee Jae-hyun (shortstop), Ryu Seung-min (right field) and Kim Young-woong (third base). It is noticeable that Pirela was dropped to the seventh spot and Kim Jae-sung was placed at third.
Park Jin-man said, “Pirela is a bit out of form right now. The top of the batting order kept breaking down in the middle. I chose Kim Jae-sung because he was strong against LG,” Park said.
Outfielder Ryu Seung-min, who made his professional debut on the 11th against the Daegu Lotte Giants, will also start today.
Park said, “He is very active at the plate for a young player. In defence, he follows the ball well. Our outfield is not strong, so I’m going to play Ryu Seung-min.” “He’s aggressive. He’s bold, and he’s good enough physically and in those areas. He also has some talent in hitting,” he said, explaining his reasons for playing Ryu.