Daegu:After starting eight consecutive postseason games for the Samsung Lions, catcher Kang Min-ho was benched for Game 4 of the Korean Series on Saturday due to an oblique injury. The decision marks the first time Kang, who has been struggling at bat, will not start in this postseason.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Lions manager Park Jin-man decided to replace the 41-year-old Kang with 26-year-old catcher Kim Do-hwan. Despite Kang's defensive contributions, Park felt it was necessary to rest him as he was "just about to collapse." Kang has gone 0-for-6 in the series so far.

The Lions are currently leading the KT Wiz 2-1 in the best-of-seven championship series after a 5-1 victory on Friday evening. The teams face a quick turnaround with an afternoon game on Saturday. Kim Do-hwan will make his first career postseason start alongside 19-year-old pitcher Jang Chan-hee, who is also making his first postseason start.

Manager Park expressed hope that Kim and Jang would bring energy to the game. Jang, a fearless pitcher and a third-round pick in the 2025 Korea Baseball Organization draft, is expected to maintain his aggressive approach from the regular season. Park mentioned that he would have all relief pitchers ready to step in, except for Ariel Jurado, Won Tae-win, and Chris Paddack, who are unavailable due to their pitching schedules.

This is Park's second Korean Series as a manager, following a loss to the Kia Tigers in 2024. He stated that the experience taught him to be more aggressive with in-game decisions, preferring to regret action over inaction.