'What a relief' Park Soo-jong, who narrowly avoided a hit-by-pitch: "Physical condition is OK... but I feel a bit dizzy, perhaps it's just in my head." Manager decides to give him an extra day of rest

*This content was translated by AI.

Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Park Soo-jong (27), who collapsed from a dangerous hit-by-pitch in the previous game (26th vs. Samsung at Gocheok), was fortunately found to have no serious injury. While the worst-case scenario was averted by a stroke of luck, Kiwoom manager Seol Jong-jin (53) decided to grant an additional day of rest to protect the player.

Ahead of the Lotte Giants game scheduled for the 28th at Busan Sajik Baseball Stadium, Park Soo-jong met with StarNews. When asked about his current physical condition, he replied, "I'm fine," but added cautiously, "However, I do feel a bit dizzy, perhaps it's just in my head."

The Kiwoom organization had officially announced on the 27th, a day without a game, that "Park Soo-jong, who was substituted after being hit by a pitch in the bottom of the 8th inning during the 26th Samsung Lions game at Gocheok, was diagnosed with a perforated left eardrum following a hospital examination. Recovery is expected to take approximately three weeks."

The hit-by-pitch incident at the time was tense. In the bottom of the 8th inning of the Samsung game the previous day, with two outs and a runner on first, Park Soo-jong was struck directly near his head by a 148 km/h fastball from opposing pitcher Yura Miyaji. The ball grazed his back and hit the area behind his ear, creating a harrowing scene. Park collapsed onto the field, complaining of pain.

Fortunately, Park got up on his own, walked to first base, and was then substituted for pinch runner Lim Byung-wook. The umpires judged that the ball hit his back first and did not issue an ejection for a headshot, but it was a moment when all spectators and officials in the stadium breathed a sigh of relief. Park was immediately taken to a hospital for examination.

The examination results led to a diagnosis of "perforated eardrum," a condition where a hole forms in the eardrum. A perforated eardrum can cause pain, tinnitus, hearing loss, and dizziness due to impact. Fortunately, there was no direct impact on the bones or brain. The team stated, "There will be no hindrance to training or game participation, but we will continue to monitor his condition."

The manager also took the stance of not pushing the player too hard. After receiving a report on the player's condition, Manager Seol Jong-jin explained, "The hospital said he could play, but we plan to give him an extra day of rest. We will not overexert him. We believe it is more beneficial for the player to rest one more day, so he has been excluded from the lineup."

For Kiwoom, avoiding the loss of Park Soo-jong was a stroke of luck amidst misfortune. Park participated in all training sessions normally on this day. He is expected to undergo regular examinations once a week to check for any abnormalities.

Meanwhile, facing Lotte's starting pitcher Kim Jin-wook, Kiwoom set its starting lineup as follows: Brooks (designated hitter), An Chi-hong (second baseman), Kim Geon-hee (catcher), Im Ji-yeol (left fielder), Lee Hyung-jong (right fielder), Kim Ji-seok (third baseman), Choi Ju-hwan (first baseman), Oh Seon-jin (left fielder), and Park Ju-hong (center fielder). The starting pitcher is Raul Alcantara.

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*This content was translated by AI.