LG Twins skipper defends catcher Park Dong-won amid worst slump since 2018

LG Twins Manager Youm Kyoung-youb said Wednesday that catcher Park Dong-won, mired in the worst offensive stretch of his career, remains a lineup fixture because of his game-calling ability and steadying effect on the pitching staff.

Park, 36, has hit just three home runs and five doubles through 43 games this season — a pace the Korea Times said would represent his worst full-season performance since 2018. His current slugging percentage of .347 stands in sharp contrast to the career-high 22 home runs and 25 doubles he posted during the 2025 campaign.

"That's why he keeps getting into our lineup even when he's struggling at the plate," Youm said before a road game against the Lotte Giants at Sajik Baseball Stadium, according to the Korea Times. "He is just a steady presence back there and it's crucial for our pitchers psychologically."

Youm pointed to Tuesday's game against Lotte as a concrete illustration of Park's value. When starter Anders Tolhurst's fastball command faltered early in the outing, Park swiftly redirected him toward cutters and forkballs, helping the pitcher settle in.

"Tolhurst's fastballs were all over the place, and Dong-won wanted more cutters and other breaking balls. He really managed the game well," Youm said.

The veteran's influence behind the plate extends across the entire rotation. All of LG's starting pitchers except Song Seung-ki prefer to throw to Park, the Korea Times reported. Song has forged a separate working chemistry with backup catcher Lee Ju-heon.

"Dong-won knows he has to play even when he's not feeling 100 percent," Youm said, underscoring that the 36-year-old backstop accepts a role that demands more than his batting line can show.