KT's lucky break: 'Hit to the back of the knee → substitution.' Kim Hyun-soo, no hospital check planned! "Substitution made for player protection" [Suwon]

*This content was translated by AI.

It is welcome news. Kim Hyun-soo (38, KT Wiz), who was substituted after being hit by a pitch,

Kim Hyun-soo started as the second batter and first baseman in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League regular-season home game against KIA Tigers at Suwon KT Wiz Park on the 20th, but was substituted for shortstop Lee Kang-min in the bottom of the third inning with two outs and runners on first and second.

At the same time, shortstop Kwon Dong-jin moved to second base, and second baseman Oh Yun-seok shifted to first base.

The substitution was caused by a hit-by-pitch in the previous at-bat. In the bottom of the third inning with no outs and runners on first and second, Hwang Dong-ha's fifth pitch, a 143 km/h fastball, was aimed behind Kim Hyun-soo's knee. The ball struck the back of Kim's left knee, and he collapsed to the ground.

Kim later received an apology from Hwang Dong-ha and advanced to first base, continuing to play normally. He also appeared in the field in the top of the fourth inning, fielding a grounder hit by Kim Kyu-sung and stepping on first base to record an out, looking fine.

However, in the top of the fourth inning with no outs and runners on first and second, after relief pitcher Sugimoto struck out Park Jae-hyun with a swing-and-miss, Kim requested his own substitution. His limping appearance suggested the effects of the hit-by-pitch were still present.

Fortunately, the injury was not serious. A KT team official stated, "Kim Hyun-soo was substituted due to discomfort after being hit by a pitch on the back of his left knee. The substitution was made for player protection, and there are no plans for a hospital checkup."

On this day, KT lined up with Choi Won-jun (right fielder), Kim Hyun-soo (first baseman), Ahn Hyun-min (designated hitter), Sam Hilliard (center fielder), Kim Min-hyuk (left fielder), Ryu Hyun-in (third baseman), Oh Yun-seok (second baseman), Han Seung-taek (catcher), and Kwon Dong-jin (shortstop). The starting pitcher was Bae Je-seong.

KIA countered with Kim Ho-ryeong (center fielder), Park Jae-hyun (left fielder), Kim Do-young (third baseman), Na Sung-beom (designated hitter), Harold Castro (first baseman), Kim Sun-bin (second baseman), Han Jun-su (catcher), Kim Kyu-sung (shortstop), and Park Jung-woo (right fielder). The starting pitcher was Hwang Dong-ha.

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*This content was translated by AI.