‘Wow,’ Oh Ji-hwan’s Mad Fighting Spirit: “It’s My Last Game at Jamsil, So I Have to Play”... Training Despite ‘Knee Ligament Injury’

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

LG Twins infielder Oh Ji-hwan (36) is demonstrating extraordinary fighting spirit despite his knee injury. Ahead of what will truly be his last Jamsil home game this fall, he has shown strong determination not to even sit on the bench, along with a stubborn resolve to return to the field.

Oh Ji-hwan’s resolute commitment was conveyed directly through his social media. On the 15th, Oh posted a photo of himself completing batting practice in the batting cage at Jamsil Baseball Stadium, accompanied by the caption: “Many fans are worried about me, but since it’s my last game at Jamsil, playing has meaning. That means even more to me.” He also expressed gratitude to club staff who helped him train despite it being a day off, writing: “Preparation complete. Thank you. Coach Kim Jae-yul and performance analyst Kim Yeon-hyung. You came out on your rest day because of me,” signaling that he had made full preparations for his return.

Previously, Oh Ji-hwan collapsed in pain at his left knee while changing direction during a pickoff attempt in the bottom of the third inning against the KIA Tigers at Jamsil Stadium on the 5th. A detailed examination revealed a ‘partial tear of the medial ligament in his left knee.’ This is typically an injury requiring a half-cast and at least one month of rest, making it realistically impossible for him to play in the remaining regular season games.

However, Oh Ji-hwan did not back down. This is interpreted as stemming from a sense of responsibility. LG Manager Yeom Kyung-yeop met with reporters before the home game against the NC Dinos on the 6th, the day after the injury, stating, “It’s not easy given the medial ligament tear in his knee,” while adding, “In reality, he should be wearing a half-cast and resting for a month, but he said he would at least stay ready until the end no matter what. We plan to observe him for a few days before making a decision.” He continued, “I told him not to hit, but he did anyway. They say he can run straight. Since there’s a big difference day by day, we need to keep watching. In fact, it should hurt more, but he says he’s fine,” expressing surprise at his fighting spirit.

Manager Yeom also stated ahead of the Wild Card playoff against the Doosan Bears on the 14th, “It doesn’t look easy for him to play in the preliminary playoffs, but I plan to check Oh Ji-hwan’s physical condition first,” adding, “If it doesn’t work out, Lee Young-bin will step in as a replacement.”

Ultimately, Oh Ji-hwan has not appeared in an official game since the KIA match on the 5th. In the Wild Card playoff Game 1 against the Doosan Bears held the previous day (the 14th), he was listed on the roster and stayed in the dugout but ultimately did not step onto the field. However, when starting second baseman Shin Min-jae left the game due to hamstring pain, Oh Ji-hwan’s presence and potential participation became an even more critical variable, as he is needed to anchor the infield.

After ending the Wild Card playoff in a single game, LG caught its breath and will enter the highly anticipated Preliminary Playoff Game 1 against third-place KIA at Gwangju-KIA Champions Field at 2 p.m. on the 17th. The likely starting pitching matchup for Game 1 is LG’s Anders Tolhurst versus KIA’s James Neal. LG holds a 7-9 record against KIA this season and has suffered a seven-game losing streak in recent matchups, placing them at a significant disadvantage. Attention is focused on whether Oh Ji-hwan’s fighting spirit, burning brightly despite injury on the brink of elimination in fall baseball, can once again unite the team.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original