{
  "id": 17035176,
  "title": "Lions manager keeps faith in veteran outfielder despite questions on defense",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/lions-manager-keeps-faith-in-veteran-outfielder-despite-questions-on",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-29T08:43:12.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yonhap News",
    "slug": "yonhap-news",
    "url": "https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20261029013400315"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Gwangju, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- In the ongoing KBO postseason, Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man expressed confidence in his veteran outfielder Choi Hyoung-woo, despite concerns about his defensive abilities. At the age of 42, Choi is the oldest player in the tournament and will continue to play in left field for the Lions, despite being primarily a designated hitter and Koo Ja-wook being limited to DH duties due to a recent hamstring injury. After a loss in Game 1, Choi scored a home run and made an outfield assist in their 8-3 victory in Game 2 at Daegu Samsung Lions Park. Park assured that he will continue to use Choi in left field for the next game against Kia Tigers at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field, vouching for Choi's defensive capabilities and experience. Park also highlighted the importance of handling the first inning well, as Lions starter Choi Won-tae has a tendency to struggle in early innings.",
  "summary": "GWANGJU, Oct. 29 (Yonhap) -- Samsung Lions manager Park Jin-man said Thursday he...",
  "key_points": [
    "Manager Park Jin-man trusts veteran Choi Hyoung-woo despite defensive concerns.",
    "42-year-old Choi remains Lions' left fielder in KBO postseason.",
    "Park vows to keep Choi in left field for next game against Kia Tigers."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing veteran experience over defensive mobility signals a management strategy that values offensive impact and composure during high-stakes postseason matchups despite the physical limitations of an aging roster.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}