Samsung Lions catcher Kim Jae-seong left due to injury. However, the ‘three catchers’ system remains the same.
Samsung coach Park Jin-man reported the news of Jae-sung Kim’s injury ahead of an exhibition game against the Hanwha Eagles held at Daegu Samsung Lions Park on the 27th. Kim Jae-seong, who complained of flank pain in the game the previous day, received a finding that 10 cm of the oblique muscle in his right flank was damaged as a result of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. Kim Jae-seong will join the rehabilitation group and focus on treatment.
Director Park said, “I complained of pain when swinging. After being replaced, I was told that it was okay in the dugout, but when I checked it, it was said that there was damage to the side. It is unfortunate that such a situation occurred.” told 먹튀검증
Samsung boasted a solid catcher team, including former national team catchers such as Kang Min-ho and Kim Tae-gun, and Kim Jae-seong. Ahead of the 2022 season, Kim Jae-seong, who joined as a compensation player for Park Hae-min’s free agent transfer to the LG Twins, played an active role in 63 games with a batting average of 0.335 (54 hits in 161 at bats, 3 homers) and a slugging percentage of 0.453 OPS (on-base percentage + slugging percentage) of 0.855.
However, with Kim Jae-sung’s departure, Samsung’s player concept was also disrupted. Initially, Samsung planned to operate the team with a ‘three catchers’ system that actively employs three catchers. It has the advantage of being able to select and appoint a player according to the physical condition as well as arranging the physical strength of the catchers. In addition to Kang Min-ho and Kim Tae-goon, this scenario was possible because there was also Kim Jae-seong.
Nevertheless, the command tower intends to maintain the ‘three catchers’ system. Lee Byung-hun replaces Kim Jae-seong. Lee Byung-hun, a native of Jemulpo High School, joined with the 32nd pick in the 2nd 4th round during the 2019 rookie draft. He played mostly in the Futures League, posting a batting average of 0.239 (51 hits in 213 at-bats) in 108 games. He appeared in 5 matches for the first team.
Coach Park said, “There is about two spaces left for the fielder in the opening entry. If Kang Min-ho wears a catcher mask, Kim Tae-gun can play as a pinch hitter. For now, I plan to watch three games. Once the starting pitchers enter the entry, Then the beast will change,” he said.