KIA Tigers manager cautious despite climb to third place

Despite the KIA Tigers climbing to third place in the KBO league for the first time this season after a five-game winning streak, manager Lee Beom-ho is urging caution. "There are still 35 games left, and this season has the unique situation of the Asian Games, so we can't know until the end," Lee stated, emphasizing that the team should not focus on their current standing.

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There are still 35 games left, and this season has the unique situation of the Asian Games, so we can't know until the end.

The Tigers' recent surge has seen them overtake LG Twins by a narrow margin in the standings. This performance is a marked improvement from their disappointing eighth-place finish in 2025. Lee attributed the team's success to the players' desire to prove their capabilities, especially after most preseason predictions placed them in the lower half of the league. He noted the development of young players and the resurgence of veteran players contributing to the team's strong showing.

However, the team faces potential challenges as several players are expected to be called up for the Asian Games later in the season. Manager Lee has contingency plans for most positions. For the outfield, he anticipates using Harold Castro in left field and either Oh Sun-woo or Park Sang-jun at first base. The bullpen also appears stable despite Sung Young-tak's potential absence, with Jo Sang-woo, Jeon Sang-hyun, and Jung Hae-young performing well.

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Most of the predictions were for the lower ranks, so the players probably wanted to show that we are not a bottom-tier team.

The most significant concern for Lee is the third base position, which will be vacated when Kim Do-young joins the national team. "Kim Do-young's spot is the biggest worry," Lee admitted. While he hopes Park Min can fill in, Park is reportedly dealing with a back injury. Lee is optimistic that Park might return by early September, potentially alleviating the issue, but the uncertainty remains a key point of focus for the manager as the season progresses.

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Kim Do-young's spot is the biggest worry.