Manager Kim Tae-hyung's true feelings about sending captain Jeon Jun-woo to the second team

Lotte Giants manager Kim Tae-hyung explained his decision to send team captain Jeon Jun-woo back to the second team, despite his importance as a veteran leader. Kim stated that while he initially wanted to keep Jeon Jun-woo with the first team due to his captaincy, the player himself seemed to be struggling under the pressure.

Jeon Jun-woo has had a difficult season, batting .225 with two home runs and 13 RBIs in 52 games. After a brief return to the first team following a stint in the second division, he was again removed from the roster after struggling in three games. Coincidentally, his replacement, outfielder Kim Dong-hyun, has performed well, contributing to the team's five-game winning streak.

Despite Jeon Jun-woo's current slump, manager Kim emphasized that this move is not a final exclusion. He expressed confidence that the captain will find his form and contribute to the team at a crucial moment. Kim also provided an update on catcher Yoo Kang-nam, who is also in the second team, stating that he needs to improve both his hitting and defense before a potential call-up.

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I wanted to keep him with the first team as much as possible because he is the captain. But it seems like it's more difficult for him personally. He has to be the captain and perform individually, which is tough right now. He can't even smile brightly in this situation, so I've taken him out for now.

"I wanted to keep him with the first team as much as possible because he is the captain," Kim said. "But it seems like it's more difficult for him personally. He has to be the captain and perform individually, which is tough right now. He can't even smile brightly in this situation, so I've taken him out for now."

Kim added, "As a captain, I wanted him to come up to the first team and be a source of strength for the players, and for him to contribute to the team with his skills. I believe there will be a time when he can do that."

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As a captain, I wanted him to come up to the first team and be a source of strength for the players, and for him to contribute to the team with his skills. I believe there will be a time when he can do that.