'Irreplaceable' Choi Jung lost, SSG startled as Kim Jae-hwan collapses: "We were very worried, but he's fine." 4th DH placed in starting lineup [Incheon field]

*This content was translated by AI.

With strong performances from starting pitchers continuing, the SSG Landers secured their fourth consecutive victory for the first time in three months. Even amidst this welcome win, there was a moment that sent shivers down everyone's spines. Veteran Kim Jae-hwan (38) suddenly collapsed during a base-running play.

On the 25th, at the Incheon SSG Landers Field during a home game against the NC Dinos in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League, Kim Jae-hwan reached base with a hit in the bottom of the third inning but was retired on a double play when Han Yu-seom grounded out to the first baseman.

Han Yu-seom's ground ball shot quickly toward the first baseman. As Kim Jae-hwan attempted to advance to second base, he lost his balance while trying to return to first and collapsed. He remained down for some time, a scene that sent chills through SSG, already dealing with numerous injuries.

Fortunately, he shook it off, got up on his own, and walked back to the dugout. He then continued playing until the end of the game, recording a multi-hit performance in the fifth inning.

Ahead of the NC game on the 26th, manager Lee Sung-yong said, "We were extremely worried. We checked with him, and he said he was fine and could play. Still, given that he had collapsed, I asked three times, 'Are you sure? Are you okay?' and he replied, 'Yes, I'm fine.' He also mentioned it wasn't a serious injury and that he could continue playing. It seemed to surprise even him, but he insisted he was okay, and the training staff also confirmed his condition."

With the season just beginning, SSG lost starting pitcher Kim Kwang-hyun, and Go Myeong-jun also suffered an injury. Their ace, Mitch White, left the team after a delayed recovery from injury, and Choi Jung, who had been tormented by unexplained pain, ultimately ended up on the operating table. For manager Lee Sung-yong, even minor incidents raising injury concerns could only be met with surprise.

The SSG Landers, currently on a four-game winning streak, set their starting lineup for the day as follows: Jun Jun-jae (second baseman), Park Sung-han (shortstop), Bryce Mardis (left fielder), Kim Jae-hwan (designated hitter), Jeon Ui-san (first baseman), Choi Ji-hoon (center fielder), Han Yu-seom (right fielder), Jo Hyung-woo (catcher), and An Sang-hyun (third baseman). They will face opposing ace Riley Thompson. SSG will start pitcher Shota Takeda.

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*This content was translated by AI.