Player in hot seat inserted into starting lineup vs. Japan

• Published date: 10 March 2023
• Publication title: The Korea Times

Kang Baek-ho, South Korean designated hitter (DH) under fire for a costly baserunning miscue in a recent loss, will start a crucial game against Japan at the World Baseball Classic (WBC) on Friday.

Kang will bat seventh as DH against Yu Darvish at Tokyo Dome in the second Pool B game for South Korea.

Managed by Lee Kang-chul, South Korea suffered an 8-7 loss to Australia on Thursday. With his team trailing 5-4 in the seventh, Kang hit a one-out double but was tagged out at second base when his right foot came off the bag in an ill-timed celebration.

Kang has become the lightning rod of criticism for the national team, but Lee explained at his pregame press conference that Kang has been swinging the bat well of late and deserved...