'Oh no!' Japan also sees WBC aftereffects → Four players out, including NPB home run leader

*This content was translated by AI.

Before the shock of the Japanese national baseball team's disastrous quarterfinal exit at the 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) held in March has even faded, key players from the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) who participated in the tournament are suffering from a string of injuries. This time, Morishita Shota (26), the 'next-generation power hitter' for the Hanshin Tigers and the Central League's home run leader, faced a harrowing situation where he was substituted due to an injury during a game.

According to Japanese sports outlet Sports Nichi Annex, Morishita stepped up to the plate in the bottom of the eighth inning during an away game against the Yakult Swallows at Jingu Stadium in Tokyo on the 28th, but was struck in the area near his left thumb by a foul ball he hit himself. Morishita, who collapsed while complaining of severe pain, was eventually helped off the field by trainers. He was unable to complete his at-bat.

After the game, Morishita met with reporters just before boarding a bus, stating, "It's right after the game, so the pain is severe. I'm currently icing it and monitoring the situation." However, the Hanshin club cannot hide its concern over the possibility of losing a key hitter who was leading the league alone in home runs with seven.

It is extremely coincidental that injuries among players who participated in the WBC in March are continuing. Even the Japanese media outlet Sports Nichi Annex used the expression "a string of disasters among WBC players."

Chiba Lotte's right-handed starting pitcher Taneichi Atsuki (28) also suffered a serious injury on the 25th when his left Achilles tendon ruptured during a pitch against SoftBank. With his return this season now virtually hopeless, Chiba Lotte manager Saburo Omura (50) expressed his helplessness, saying, "There's nothing I can say except that I'm sorry."

Yokohama DeNA BayStars infielder Maiko Shugo (28) was also forced out of the lineup on the 24th after being diagnosed with a right hamstring muscle tear during a game against the Yomiuri Giants. Additionally, Orix Buffaloes left-handed pitcher Miyagi Hiroya (25) was confirmed to be out for an extended period on the 9th due to damage to the medial collateral ligament in his left elbow. All of these players participated in the 2026 WBC as members of the Japanese national team.

The aftereffects of the WBC are also a reality in Korea. This season, LG Twins closer You Young-chan (29) is scheduled for surgery due to a stress fracture in the olecranon of his right elbow.

You Young-chan collapsed on the mound on the 24th during a game against Doosan, complaining of elbow pain. A detailed examination revealed that pin fixation surgery was necessary. Considering the rehabilitation period, his return within this season is now uncertain. Earlier, LG left-hander Son Ju-young (28) also felt elbow pain immediately after the WBC and has now developed a minor strain in his internal oblique muscle. Infielder Moon Bo-kyung (26) of the league has also been unable to fully shake off the aftermath of his injuries. All of them participated in the WBC schedule.

As key players who pushed themselves hard for the honor of representing their national teams begin to fall one by one, voices are rising in both Japan and Korea calling for urgent measures to protect players, alongside concerns over the "WBC aftereffects." This is especially true since these players play core roles on their respective teams, having been selected for the national team.

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*This content was translated by AI.