Kim Seon-bin (33), the main second baseman for the KIA Tigers, whose return was uncertain in the first half, started playing in the Futures League.
Kim Sun-bin started as second baseman and second batter in the 2023 Futures League match against KT Wiz held at Hampyeong-Kia Challengers Field on the 30th and digested three at-bats. He went 3-for-2 with 2 hits and 2 RBI. The defense also digested 5 innings. He caught two grounder batted balls and connected them for an out count.
Kim Sun-bin injured his right thumb in the process of catching opposing batsman Jason Martin’s assault ball against the NC Dinos on the 17th. Upon examination, he was diagnosed with a fracture. It was reported that he would need more than 4 weeks of rehab.
Such Kim Sun-bin went to practice in just two weeks. Coach Kim Jong-guk also said, “As a result of the re-examination, it was evaluated that it improved a lot, and before that, I digested technical training without using the injured part. If there are no problems, I plan to call up next weekend three times in a row.”
If Kim Sun-bin joins, KIA needs to organize the infield. In the KIA, Kim Do-young, who returned after recovering from a fractured right little toe, took over as third baseman with a hot hitting feel, and Ryu Ji-hyeok, who showed good batting feel throughout the first half, moved from third base to second base.
Sunbin Kim is the owner of second base. He goes back to his place of course. In this case, it could be that Kim Do-young and Ryu Ji-hyeok are competing for the third baseman position.
1st base is also a variable. This is the position occupied by Choi Won-joon, who has returned from military service. After returning, he stagnated with a batting average of 0.217 in 13 games. He even gave up his seat to Byun Woo-hyuk.
Ryu Ji-hyeok is a multi-player who can also serve as first ba안전놀이터seman. In this case, 1st base also becomes a contention zone.
KIA coach Kim Jong-guk said, “The player in the best condition will go out” ahead of the LG Twins match on the 30th.
KIA has fierce internal competition among players with high names. But there is no speed. They have fallen to 8th place after losing 4 of their last 5 matches.