DAEGU: The Samsung Lions revealed that their starting pitcher, Won Tae-in, will be absent for the remainder of the Korean Series due to a shoulder labrum injury. The announcement came following the Lions’ defeat to the Kia Tigers in Game 4 of the Korea Baseball Organization championship series.
According to Yonhap News Agency, an MRI conducted after the game indicated that Won sustained damage to the labrum in his right shoulder, accompanied by bleeding inside the shoulder joint and rotator cuff tendinitis. Medical professionals have advised a rehabilitation period of four to six weeks for Won. The Lions currently trail 3-1 in the best-of-seven series, which is set to continue with Game 5 in Gwangju on Monday.
Won, who shared the regular-season lead with 15 wins, was a key figure for the Lions and was anticipated to potentially pitch in a deciding Game 7 if the series extended to its full length. In his last outing, Won struggled, allowing six earned runs on six hits and three walks over just 2 1/3 innings.
He required 78 pitches for seven outs before requesting medical evaluation.
Despite his injury, Won will remain with the team through the series. The Lions are facing several challenges, having already lost Opening Day starter Connor Seabold to a shoulder injury, while left-hander Baek Jung-hyun sustained a broken finger. Additionally, team captain Koo Ja-wook has been sidelined with a knee injury.
Won’s absence is also a setback for the South Korean national team ahead of the upcoming World Baseball Softball Confederation Premier12 tournament.