Lotte, which was at the bottom of the winning percentage in July, made a winning move by placing Nico Goodrum, who had been in charge of the infielder since his debut, in the outfield.

Lotte coach Larry Sutton met with reporters ahead of the season 10 game against Doosan in the 2023 Shinhan Bank SOL KBO League held at Jamsil Stadium in Seoul on the 26th and announced Gudrum’s debut as an outfielder (left fielder). 

Goodrum, who became a Lotte man with an annual salary of $400,000 on the 11th, made his debut in the KBO League on the 21st in the match against Sajik Kiwoom and served as an infielder for four consecutive games. Following the third baseman against Kiwoom on the 21st and 22nd, the shortstop against Kiwoom on the 23rd, and the third baseman’s glove again against Doosan in Jamsil on the 25th. 

Why did coach Sutton appoint infielder Goodrum as an outfielder? Director Sutton said, “It is a lineup strengthening level. The team atmosphere needed a change. Now is the time to stimulate us,” he said. “Gudrum is a player with good outfield defense skills. Park Seung-wook is also good at defending third base. Currently, Ahn Kwon-su and Ko Seung-min are out of the outfield due to injuries. Other outfielders in the first team entry are also struggling,” he explained the background. 

In fact, Goodrum is a utility player capable of both infield and outfield defense. During his 402 major league career, he played 38 games in left field, 16 games in center field, and 14 games in right field. Of course, Goodrum is a professional infield agent who played 147 games as a shortstop and 124 games as a second baseman. 꽁머니

Due to the move of Gudrum to left fielder, Yoon Dong-hee (right fielder) – Gudrum (left fielder) – Ahn Chi-hong (2nd baseman) – Jeon Jun-woo (designated hitter) – Han Dong-hee (1st baseman) – Park Seung-wook (3rd baseman) – Yoo Kang-nam (catcher) – Noh Jin-hyeok (shortstop) – A new line-up of Kim Min-seok (center fielder) has been established. Doosan starter Gwak Bin is aiming to escape from three consecutive losses.

Lotte gave up 5th place to KT after 3 months on the previous day in the sluggish July 3-9 loss (.250 win rate).

The starting pitcher is Aaron Wilkerson, who is making his debut in the KBO League. Coach Sutton said, “I saw him training, and his control was good. It would be nice if he had his own weapon and pitched aggressively,” he said. During the game, he will constantly check his condition.”