Daegu:After starting eight consecutive postseason games for the Samsung Lions while managing an oblique injury, veteran catcher Kang Min-ho was benched for the start of Game 4 of the Korean Series on Saturday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Lions manager Park Jin-man replaced the 41-year-old Kang with 26-year-old catcher Kim Do-hwan. The decision followed the Lions' 5-1 victory over the KT Wiz, giving them a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven championship series. The teams are scheduled for a quick turnaround with an afternoon game on Saturday.
"We have the back-to-back night game and day game, and he was just about to collapse," Park said, referring to Kang, who has been batting 0-for-6 in the series but continued to play for his defensive capabilities. "I just felt this was the right time to get him off his feet."
Kim Do-hwan will make his first career postseason start, catching for 19-year-old pitcher Jang Chan-hee, who is also making his postseason debut. Jang, a third-round pick in the 2025 Korea Baseball Organization draft, has been noted for his fearless approach on the mound. "I hope these two will bring some energy out there today," Park commented. "Chan-hee has always been a fearless type, regardless of when he takes the mound. I hope he goes right after hitters just like he did during the regular season."
Manager Park has indicated that all relief pitchers, except for Ariel Jurado, Won Tae-win, and Chris Paddack, will be available if Jang struggles early. Jurado started on Friday, Tae-win is set to start on Saturday, and Paddack is lined up for Game 6 on Tuesday if necessary.
Reflecting on his previous experience in the Korean Series, where the Lions lost to the Kia Tigers in 2024, Park stated, "After that loss, I decided I should be more aggressive with my in-game decisions. I think it is always better to regret doing something than regret not doing anything."