San Francisco Giants' Lee Jung-hoo is preparing for the opening despite a sudden injury, letting go of his impatience.
Lee Jung-hoo, who has suffered from back pain, mentioned his current feelings and issues related to his back pain during an interview on the 22nd (Korea time) with local media including 'San Francisco Standard.'
Lee Jung-hoo hasn't played since the spring training exhibition game against the Texas Rangers on the 14th. He was scheduled to start in the game against the Seattle Mariners on the 16th but was excluded from the starting lineup just before the game due to sudden back pain.
He thought it was a minor injury, but there was no improvement in pain, and ultimately, he underwent an MRI examination on the 19th. With no structural damage found, both Lee Jung-hoo and the San Francisco team breathed a sigh of relief. Manager Bob Melvin mentioned that Lee Jung-hoo's return would be set for the exhibition game against the Cleveland Guardians on the 22nd, stating, "If Lee Jung-hoo plays in 3 of the last 5 exhibition games, I believe he will be ready for the opening game."
However, on the return date that the manager hoped for, the 22nd, Lee Jung-hoo was not included in the lineup and missed the game entirely. The likelihood of him participating in the opening game against the Cincinnati Reds on the 28th has now become uncertain. Nevertheless, Lee Jung-hoo is letting go of impatience and preparing for the regular season. He stated, "The opening game is really important. If I am ready, I will obviously play," but he added, "However, the season is a long journey of 162 games, and I am looking at this from a long-term perspective. I will play if I'm ready, and if not, I think I need more time to adjust. I want to make good use of that time."
However, he acknowledged that the symptoms of his back pain were severe. Lee Jung-hoo confessed, "I've never had back pain this bad before." Still, he is seeing improvements and trying to stay composed. He emphasized, "I am trying to think as positively as possible. The season is long. I believe it's important to maintain the right mindset."
'San Francisco Standard' explained, "According to the team's plans, Lee Jung-hoo is expected to participate in the game against the Triple-A team River Cats in Sacramento on Sunday (local time, the 23rd; Korea time, the 24th) after training on Saturday (local time, the 22nd; Korea time, the 23rd)."
Lee Jung-hoo said he would look at things in the long run, but Manager Melvin expressed hope for Lee Jung-hoo's return for the opening game once again, stating, "We hope Lee Jung-hoo can be in a condition to play in the opening game." This is Lee Jung-hoo's second season after signing a massive 6-year, $113 million contract last year. After undergoing surgery due to a shoulder injury sustained during a defensive play last year, Lee Jung-hoo wrapped up his season early. He has been properly preparing since spring training to eliminate last year's regrets, achieving a spring training batting average of .300 (9 hits in 30 at-bats), 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, 9 runs scored, and an OPS of .967. However, he was unexpectedly hindered by back pain and now finds himself needing to get back in shape.
In preparation for the possibility that Lee Jung-hoo may not return on time, San Francisco is preparing alternative resources. They are planning a platoon of left-handed Grant McCray and right-handed Luis Matos. Manager Melvin stated, "Both players are definitely ones we like, and we will decide while monitoring the final roster configuration," adding, "McCray is definitely faster. From the defensive metrics, McCray is showing better performance in center field defense. Matos has been handling all three positions well during this camp."
Although McCray is mentioned as an alternative to Lee Jung-hoo, he expressed hope for Lee Jung-hoo's quick recovery and support. He said, "I am trying to think simply at the plate. I am really enjoying it and believe we will become a competitive team, and I want to be a part of that," and continued, "Lee Jung-hoo is a really important player in the lineup and outfield. I had envisioned a scenario where we would be responsible for the outfield together. I hoped he would return healthy and strong so that our team could set sail properly."
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