'Samsung Bad News': Kim Sang-jun Diagnosed with Ankle Ligament Rupture; Park Jin-man "Expected to Be Out for 4 to 6 Weeks"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Sang-jun (24), a backup infielder for Samsung Lions who was highlighted as a key asset to strengthen infield defense, has ultimately been sidelined by an injury setback. A detailed medical examination revealed a ruptured ankle ligament, and he is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.

Park Jin-man (50), manager of the Samsung Lions, met with reporters on the 17th ahead of the game against Lotte Giants at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, where he provided an update on Kim Sang-jun's condition after being substituted due to injury the previous day (the 16th) and subsequently taken to a hospital.

Manager Park stated, "Kim Sang-jun underwent a detailed medical examination at the hospital and was diagnosed with a rupture of the lateral ligament on his right ankle." According to Manager Park Jin-man, while Kim fortunately avoided the worst-case scenario requiring surgery, he is expected to need four to six weeks of rehabilitation before returning to the field. A Samsung club official added details about the specific injury site and condition: "It is a complete rupture of the anterior talofibular ligament on the right ankle, with a partial tear of the calcaneofibular ligament."

Continuing, Manager Park Jin-man explained the circumstances of Kim Sang-jun's injury: "He appeared to have stepped on a base and his ankle twisted inward and rolled over." He then added, "Fortunately, it turned out better than expected. In the worst-case scenario, the season could have ended due to this injury, so I feel extremely relieved that the prognosis indicates a maximum of six weeks," letting out a bitter sigh of relief.

Kim Sang-jun was substituted in as a pinch runner for Kang Min-ho in the bottom of the sixth inning during the first game of the second half against Lotte Giants at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 16th. He contributed valuable runs with his signature fast running style and, in the top of the seventh inning, showcased excellent performance on both offense and defense by making a wide-range, agile play to field a ground ball hit toward shortstop Hwang Sung-bin.

However, a dangerous situation occurred while he was attempting a stolen base from second base after reaching base via a walk against Hyun Do-hoon in the bottom of the eighth inning with his team leading 4-1. While sliding and stepping on the second base, his right ankle was strongly caught by the base. Kim Sang-jun, who complained of severe pain and could not stand up, was eventually carried on the back of a trainer who entered the field and taken to the dugout.

Manager Park Jin-man said, "Kim Sang-jun was a player who provided great defense in the later stages of the game, moved actively on the base paths, and injected energy into the team, so it is truly unfortunate." He expressed deep regret over losing both a source of vitality for the team and a key backup player.

Despite securing a pleasant 4-1 victory to start the second half, Samsung's concerns have deepened. First, Samsung has called up infielder Lee Hae-seung (26) to the first division. Currently, starting shortstop Lee Jae-hyun (23), who is close to the regular lineup, will only be able to join from the Gochi away series on the 21st at the earliest after completing Futures League schedules. With the infield backup depth now weakened, how Samsung fills the void left by Kim Sang-jun's absence in both defense and base running is expected to become a critical turning point for the team's early second-half race for first place.

Meanwhile, Samsung set its starting lineup against Lotte starting pitcher Na Gyun-an as follows: Kim Ji-chan (center field), Kim Sung-yoon (right field), Gu Ja-wook (left field), Choi Hyung-woo (designated hitter), Diaz (first base), Ryu Ji-hyuk (second base), Kim Young-woong (third base), Kim Do-hwan (catcher), and Yang Woo-hyun (shortstop). Samsung's starting pitcher was Won Tae-in.

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*This content was translated by AI.