'We even played deep defense...' Kim Sang-jun, who injured his ankle, ends up at the hospital → No smiles despite victory for Samsung

*This content was translated by AI.

The Samsung Lions could not simply smile even after capping off the first game of the second half with a pleasant victory. This was because backup infielder Kim Sang-jun (24), who had been highlighted as a key card for strengthening infield defense and delivering perfect performances on both offense and defense, left the field due to a shocking injury during the game.

On the 16th, in a home game against the Lotte Giants at Daegu Samsung Lions Park in the '2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League,' Kim Sang-jun was substituted into the game as a pinch runner for Kang Min-ho in the bottom of the 6th inning and delivered standout performances.

In particular, his concentration during the defensive play in the top of the 7th inning was truly exceptional. With one out, he made an impressive play by cleanly fielding a sharp ground ball hit by Lotte's Hwang Seong-bin toward the shortstop area. Although it was unfortunately overturned to a sacrifice fly after video review, Kim Sang-jun's wide defensive range and agile movements were more than enough to prove why he is called a 'Samsung defensive reinforcement card.'

His feet also shone during the offensive play in the bottom of the 6th inning earlier. With Samsung holding a narrow 2-1 lead, when leadoff batter Kang Min-ho hit an extra-base hit toward left-center field, the Samsung bench deployed Kim Sang-jun as a pinch runner to make a decisive move. An additional run was absolutely necessary. Responding to expectations, Kim Sang-jun exploded with speed to take third base when subsequent batter Park Seung-gyu hit an infield single, and he scored on Kim Ji-chan's sacrifice fly, creating a valuable extra run.

However, in the bottom of the 8th inning when the team led 4-1, an unfortunate situation occurred. After drawing a walk against Lotte's reliever Hyun Do-hoon, Kim Sang-jun attempted to steal second base during subsequent batter Jang Seung-hyun's at-bat. Amidst a close play that was ruled out via video review, a problem arose during the sliding process.

While stepping on second base, Kim Sang-jun's right ankle was struck hard against the bag, causing him to express severe pain and making it difficult for him to stand up from the field.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Samsung trainers quickly headed toward second base, and an ambulance even entered the field in preparation for any emergency. Fortunately, Kim Sang-jun made his way toward the dugout but, unable to support himself, was ultimately carried on a trainer's back.

A Samsung club official explained Kim Sang-jun's condition: "During the steal attempt, his right ankle got caught on the base while stepping on it, resulting in an injury. His ankle is currently swollen, and he will be immediately transported to a hospital for detailed examination."

On this day, Samsung defeated Lotte 4-1 to open the second half on a high note. However, with already many injured players making roster planning difficult, Kim Sang-jun, who had been injecting vitality into both offense and defense, faced the risk of being sidelined. Lee Jae-hyun (23), evaluated as the starting shortstop, can only join the team no earlier than the 21st after completing Futures League schedules, deepening Samsung's concerns.

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*This content was translated by AI.