Seoul: Even with several of his regulars sidelined with injuries, not all is lost for Kia Tigers manager Lee Bum-ho, thanks to the recent play of a little-used infielder. Yoon Do-hyun, a third-year pro with only seven games under his belt in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) before this season, has already appeared in 12 games in 2025. And the 22-year-old is running away with the opportunity afforded to him by the absence of star third baseman Kim Do-yeong and second baseman Kim Sun-bin. Yoon has already set career highs in every meaningful offensive category, including runs, hits, home runs, and RBIs.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yoon has hit .417 with four homers and nine RBIs over his 10 games, and will bat third for his second consecutive game Wednesday against the Doosan Bears. In his first appearance as No. 3 hitter Tuesday, Yoon went 2-for-4 with two RBIs and a walk, sparking the Tigers' 11-3 win at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul.
The one lingering question mark is Yoon's defense. He has spent time at second, third, and shortstop over his career, but he rates as below average at all three positions. For this season, Yoon has spent more time at second base than the other two positions, and Lee said Wednesday he thinks Yoon is best suited there.
"I knew during spring training that he felt a bit stressed about making long throws from the shortstop and third base positions. The distance (to first base) is a lot shorter from second base," the manager noted during his pregame scrum. "So I think he doesn't have as much fear from there. And since he is swinging the bat so well lately, I think he is also feeling comfortable playing defense. Making throws is really more about mental than physical. I hope he doesn't worry about making mistakes and just keeps playing the way he is capable of playing."
Hitting in front of Yoon for the second straight game will be right fielder Choi Won-jun, who atoned for a dropped fly ball with a three-hit effort Tuesday. Lee said he won't mind defensive miscues as long as players don't let them affect other areas of their game.
"If you commit an error on defense, you can always make up for that with your bat, and vice versa," he said. "Position players have plenty of time over the course of a game to do that. And if they struggle today, they will always have the next game. So I hope the guys just relax and don't stress over their mistakes."