Samsung's 'Ryu Ji-hyuk also sidelined,' ruled out of starting lineup against Doosan due to knee contusion; "May be available as a pinch hitter" [Jamsil on-site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions' Ryu Ji-hyuk (32) was excluded from the starting lineup due to complications from a knee injury.

Park Jin-man (50), Samsung's manager, met with reporters ahead of the game against Doosan Bears at Seoul Jamsil Stadium on the 30th, stating, "Ryu Ji-hyuk can run, but he feels some discomfort when moving his body side to side or bending over. He may only be able to serve as a pinch hitter in the later innings." He added, "Since it is a contusion, I think he should be fine by tomorrow." Kim Jae-sang (22) was named the starting second baseman and eighth hitter in Ryu Ji-hyuk's place.

Samsung had already seen key batters such as Koo Ja-wook, Kim Young-woong, and Lee Jae-hyun sidelined one after another due to injuries early in the season, and Ryu Ji-hyuk's inability to play normally has further deepened the sense of loss.

Ryu Ji-hyuk has been a core player in Samsung's lineup this season. In 26 games, he recorded a .381 batting average (97 at-bats, 37 hits), 3 home runs, 16 RBIs, and 9 stolen bases. He ranks second in batting average and tied for fourth in hits.

However, he suffered an unexpected injury in his first at-bat of the second inning of the previous day's (29th) game against Doosan. With a 3-1 count, he hit the fifth pitch from Doosan's starting pitcher Jacklog, but the ball went foul and struck his right knee above the protective guard. Ryu Ji-hyuk immediately collapsed to the ground, made a pained expression, and was unable to get up for some time.

He returned to the plate shortly afterward but was seen grimacing in severe pain. He was out on a third baseman's line drive on the sixth pitch and limped back to the dugout, where he was replaced by Yang Woo-hyun starting from the bottom of the second inning. Samsung's organization stated, "Ryu Ji-hyuk suffered a contusion on the part of his right knee not covered by the protective guard."

Notably, he had recorded hits in 17 consecutive games from the 7th against KIA Tigers through the 28th against Doosan. This was the longest streak of consecutive games with a hit since Park Sung-han ended his 22-game streak after the season opener. However, on this day, Ryu Ji-hyuk failed to get a hit after completing one at-bat, bringing his record streak to an unfortunate end.

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*This content was translated by AI.