'147mph fastball strike' NC's Kim Hwi-jip ruled out of 1st team roster due to right wrist fracture; surgery avoided, minimum 6 weeks expected [Official]

*This content was translated by AI.

NC Dinos infielder Kim Hwi-jip (24) will be sidelined from the field for the time being.

The NC organization announced on the 17th that Kim Hwi-jip has been removed from the roster due to a right wrist fracture.

The injury occurred as a result of being hit by a pitch in the game against Changwon KT Wiz the previous day (16th). Kim Hwi-jip was struck on the wrist by Matt Sauer's 147mph fastball in the bottom of the 2nd inning and was replaced by Oh Young-soo ahead of the top of the 3rd inning. Following a detailed medical examination conducted on the 17th, he was diagnosed with a right wrist fracture.

Fortunately, surgery was avoided. The NC organization stated that Kim Hwi-jip will undergo treatment without surgery and is expected to return in approximately six weeks. The team plans to continuously monitor the player's recovery progress and manage his return schedule.

Kim Hwi-jip is a right-handed batter and right-handed thrower who graduated from Yangmok Elementary (Heroes Little), Daechi Middle, and Shinil High School before joining the Kiwoom Heroes as the 9th pick in the 2nd round of the 2021 KBO Rookie Draft. During the 2024 season, he was traded from Kiwoom to NC in exchange for the 1st round draft rights (7th overall) and 3rd round draft rights (27th overall) in the 2025 KBO Rookie Draft. After joining NC, he blossomed in his abilities, hitting double-digit home runs for two consecutive years and earning a spot on the South Korean national team for the 2024 Premier12 tournament.

His career KBO statistics stand at 554 games with a .243 batting average (1,741 at-bats, 423 hits), 50 home runs, 235 RBIs, 241 runs scored, and 24 stolen bases, with an on-base percentage of .337 and a slugging percentage of .379. This season, he was performing well with 16 games, a .288 batting average (52 at-bats, 15 hits), 11 RBIs, 4 runs scored, an on-base percentage of .393, and a slugging percentage of .327.

With Kim Hwi-jip's departure, the resulting vacancy at third base is expected to be filled by utility player Seo Ho-cheol (30) and 19-year-old rookie Shin Jae-in, who was selected in the 1st round this year.

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*This content was translated by AI.