SEOUL: Despite a lingering knee injury, Samsung Lions captain Koo Ja-wook is set to make a potential return as a pinch hitter in the Korea Baseball Organization (KBO) postseason, aiming to help his team secure a spot in the Korean Series for the first time in nearly a decade.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Koo sustained a left knee injury during a steal attempt in Game 2 against the LG Twins on Tuesday. Despite the injury, he managed to score before being removed from the game. Koo then traveled to Japan for treatment and rejoined the Lions at Jamsil Baseball Stadium ahead of Game 4, ready to participate if the situation demands.
Koo expressed his readiness at a pregame press conference, stating, “I am not yet healthy enough to start and play a full game, but I will be prepared to go in when a situation calls for my appearance.” Although he remains unable to run at full speed, Koo reported being mostly pain-free while swinging.
The captain’s commitment to his team is evident as he mentioned, “If it’s a k
ey situation, I will give it my best shot. How my knee feels isn’t that important.” Koo hopes his teammates can clinch a win without needing his assistance, but he remains ready to contribute if necessary.
Koo’s determination to support his team led him to alter his travel plans, opting to join the Lions in Seoul rather than returning to Daegu. The postponement of Game 4 provided Koo extra rest and a chance to potentially participate in the game.
Reflecting on his decision to seek treatment in Japan, Koo stated, “I wanted to cling to even the tiniest of possibilities that I could come back in this series.”
In the regular season, Koo was a pivotal player for the Lions, leading with a .343 batting average, 33 home runs, and 115 RBIs. His potential return provides a significant morale boost for the team. Lions Manager Park Jin-man acknowledged Koo’s willingness to play through pain, emphasizing Koo’s readiness as a pinch hitter if needed.
In Koo’s absence, veteran Kim Hun-gon will fill in as the starting lef
t fielder, fresh off a two-homer performance in Game 2.