The Samsung Lions have surged to second place in the KBO standings with an eight-game winning streak for the first time in 12 years. They are now just one game behind the first-place KT Wiz.
On June 12, Samsung dominated the LG Twins with a 9-1 victory at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, completing a perfect team effort. Starting pitcher Choi Won-tae delivered six scoreless innings, allowing only four hits against his former team. Shortstop Lee Jae-hyun, returning from injury, launched his first home run of the season at Jamsil. With Kim Young-woong sidelined due to a recurring injury, third baseman Jeon Byung-woo stepped up, crushing a go-ahead grand slam in the eighth inning with two outs and the bases loaded.
Notably, the Lions continued their winning streak without backup catcher Kim Do-hwan, who was sent down to the minor leagues earlier that day due to a mild right hamstring strain (Grade 1). Kim, who had been a key figure behind the plate during the team’s seven-game streak from June 3 to 10, felt discomfort during a game against NC Dinos on June 10. Medical tests on June 11 confirmed the strain, and the team placed him on the injured list for a 10-day rest and recovery. In his absence, Jang Seung-hyun started behind the plate and guided Choi Won-tae effectively, while Park Se-hyuk took over in the seventh inning to help the bullpen maintain the shutout.
With Kim Do-hwan out, the timing of veteran catcher Kang Min-ho’s return is particularly welcome. Kang, who was demoted to the minor leagues on June 3 for a reset, will rejoin the team for the June 13 game against LG in Jamsil. He already joined the squad on the road on June 12. With starting pitcher Won Tae-in—Kang’s long-time battery mate—taking the mound, Kang is expected to be back behind the plate immediately.
Kang had been struggling through a slump, batting just .197 with no home runs in 27 games since the season opener. During his 10-day stint in the Futures League, he worked on his conditioning and appeared in three consecutive games from June 8 to 10, recording 2 hits in 7 at-bats (.286) with 2 walks, 1 RBI, and 1 run scored.
The veteran guidance of designated hitter Choi Hyung-woo played a crucial role in Kang’s preparation. When Kang was sent down, Choi said, “Min-ho admitted his struggles and said he’d work on getting back quickly. We all said goodbye on a positive note, and he left for the minors feeling good. He’ll come back much better than he was at the start of the season.” Choi added, “Two days ago, Min-ho asked me for advice. I gave him some basic pointers on timing and approach. He agreed to work on them, and now it looks like he’ll be doing that in Gyeongsan. With things shaky, he had to go there.”
Now, Kang returns with renewed confidence and a refined approach, following the veteran advice of Choi Hyung-woo. The Samsung Lions hope that his comeback will add depth and stability as they pursue the league lead.