"Unable to move neck at all": Ryu Ji-hyuk shows signs of concussion, sent home without being removed from the first-division roster... But Choi Ji-kwang and Baek Jeong-hyun are also injured [Daegu Field]

*This content was translated by AI.

Samsung Lions infielder Ryu Ji-hyuk (32), who had been taken to the hospital following a severe collision while playing defense the previous day (the 8th), has been sent home for rest.

On the 9th, Samsung announced its starting lineup for the regular-season home game against LG Twins at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League.

For today's game, Samsung set its batting order as follows: Kim Ji-chan (center fielder), Park Seung-gyu (right fielder), Gu Ja-wook (left fielder), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Lewin Diaz (first baseman), Kang Min-ho (catcher), Kim Young-woong (third baseman), Sim Jae-hoon (shortstop), and Yang Woo-hyun (second baseman). The starting pitcher is Won Tae-in.

Starting second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk was excluded from the starting lineup and left the stadium as a player protection measure. Before the game, Samsung manager Park Jin-man explained, "The CT scan taken yesterday showed no major issues. However, his upper body was in such pain that he could barely move his neck or shoulders, making it difficult for him to walk. He came to work today, received treatment, and was immediately sent home."

This incident occurred during the top of the sixth inning with no outs and a runner on second base in the previous day's game against Daegu LG. LG's Koo Bon-hyuk attempted a bunt, and Samsung pitcher Baek Jeong-hyun fielded the ball and threw it to first base. At that moment, second baseman Ryu Ji-hyuk, who had moved in to cover first base, failed to catch the ball on the first attempt, resulting in a collision.

As Koo Bon-hyuk sprinted toward first base, Ryu Ji-hyuk's head struck the inner side of Koo's right thigh while attempting to field the ball. Ryu Ji-hyuk remained on the ground for some time and eventually required an ambulance from the outfield. He struggled even to walk from first base to the third-base dugout and had to be carried off by a coach.

Ryu Ji-hyuk was not removed from the first-division roster. This is because there will be an All-Star break from the 10th to the 15th, providing six days to monitor his condition. Manager Park Jin-man stated cautiously, "We will check his condition during the All-Star break and determine whether he can be included in the second-half roster."

To make matters worse, news of injuries to other players continued to emerge. Choi Ji-kwang (28), a key reliever who had been removed from the first-division roster the previous day, was confirmed to have an injury to his flexor muscle. Earlier in the day, left-handed pitcher Baek Jeong-hyun (39) and outfielder Lee Sung-gyu (33) were also removed from the roster due to injuries. In their places, infielder Kim Jae-sang (22) and rookie right-handed pitcher Jung Jae-hoon (19) were promoted.

Manager Park Jin-man said, "Choi Ji-kwang was diagnosed with a Grade 1 flexor muscle injury. There is no major issue, so he will rest, and his return date will be determined based on his physical condition. Baek Jeong-hyun was removed from the roster for rest purposes because his left biceps were not in good shape."

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*This content was translated by AI.