Seoul: The NC Dinos are leading South Korean baseball in a category that their manager, Lee Ho-joon, would prefer they avoid: hit-by-pitch incidents. Entering Wednesday's game against the LG Twins, the Dinos had been hit by pitches 66 times, which is 18 more than the next team, the Hanwha Eagles.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the latest incident involved All-Star outfielder Park Kun-woo, who was hit in the face by a fastball from Twins starter Elieser Hernandez during Tuesday's game at Jamsil Baseball Stadium in Seoul. Under Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) rules, Hernandez faced automatic ejection for hitting an opponent's head with a fastball. While Park did not suffer any structural damage, he sustained a bruised left cheekbone.

Manager Lee indicated that Park experienced some dizziness and would be held out of the lineup for the evening. Lee, in his first year as manager, noted that his players are becoming increasingly sensitive to being hit by errant pitches. He mentioned that some players have considered retaliating, but he intervened to ensure that would not happen. Lee expressed understanding for his players' frustrations, acknowledging that there are moments when he also feels upset, even if the pitchers are not intentionally targeting his players.

Lee suggested that changes in pitching strategies could be contributing to the issue. He noted that pitchers are targeting the upper part of the strike zone more frequently due to the automated ball-strike system, which now calls pitches that were once balls as strikes. This shift can lead to a loss of control, particularly when pitchers aim high, a strategy that opponents may use against Dinos hitters known to struggle with high pitches.

Lee emphasized his hope that his players remain safe and avoid serious injuries, acknowledging that beyond this concern, there is little the team can do. He expressed optimism that Park would be ready to return to play by Thursday. Park has a batting average of .296/.376/.437 in 48 games this season.