'Thought the season was over...' Samsung's infield super utility makes a lightning-fast return! Park Jin-man expresses deep satisfaction: "Maybe it's because he's young, his recovery is fast"

*This content was translated by AI.

Kim Sang-jun (24), an infield utility player for the Samsung Lions who had been feared to be out for the season due to a torn ankle ligament, has made a surprise return to the first division with remarkable recovery speed.

On the 9th, ahead of their home game against KT Wiz at Daegu Samsung Lions Park, Samsung adjusted its roster by removing outfielder Lee Jin-yong (20) and calling up Kim Sang-jun. This marks his return to the first division just 54 days after being placed on the injured list on July 17.

On that day, Samsung manager Park Jin-man (50), meeting with on-site reporters, smiled and said, "Actually, I didn't think it would be easy for him to return this season, but he is indeed a young player, so his recovery is fast." He continued, "He wasn't just brought up directly from the Futures League; he has fully participated in games, so there are no major issues with his physical condition. Even watching his defensive training, I can see he is moving normally," expressing deep satisfaction with Kim Sang-jun's rapid recovery.

Kim Sang-jun suffered a serious injury during the July 16 game against Daegu Lotte Giants and was forced to leave the lineup. In the bottom of the 6th inning, he was substituted in as a pinch runner, scoring a valuable run, and in the top of the 7th, he showcased excellent defense with his wide range, contributing significantly on both offense and defense. At that time, Samsung led Lotte 4-1. In the bottom of the 8th, after drawing a walk, Kim attempted to steal second base but suffered a dizzying accident where his right ankle was forcefully twisted against the base during a slide. Kim, who complained of severe pain, was eventually carried off the field on a trainer's back.

The detailed examination revealed a complete tear of the right ankle anterior talofibular ligament and a partial tear of the calcaneofibular ligament. Immediately after being placed on the injured list, manager Park Jin-man said about Kim Sang-jun, "In the worst case, his season could have ended due to this injury. Fortunately, the prognosis suggested a maximum of six weeks, which is a huge relief," while also sighing deeply, "He was a player who injected energy into the team with great defense and active base running in the latter part of games, so it's truly regrettable."

Given the severity of a complete ankle ligament tear and considering rehabilitation and the recovery of game readiness, his return for the remainder of the season seemed virtually uncertain. However, Kim Sang-jun quickly shed the pain through relentless rehabilitation. He then smoothly participated in Futures League games, bringing his overall offensive, defensive, and base-running skills back to normal, and finally stepped onto the first division stage on the 9th, defying the coaching staff's expectations. He returned to the Futures League on August 27, played six games, and was called up to the first division. Manager Park Jin-man also directly stated that Kim Sang-jun was among the replacement candidates during shortstop Lee Jae-hyun's absence for the Asian Games.

In September, when the race for first place reached its peak, Kim Sang-jun's "lightning-fast return" is expected to be a tremendous boost for the Samsung bench. Capable of covering all infield positions and capable of changing the flow of the game in the latter half as a pinch runner or defensive replacement, his presence will be like an army of thousands.

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*This content was translated by AI.