The KIA Tigers' two-game winning streak is in jeopardy. Key player Kim Do-young (22) collapsed from an injury on the first day.
Kim Do-young was substituted out due to a left hamstring injury during the opening game against the NC Dinos at Gwangju-Kia Champions Field on the 22nd. A thorough examination revealed damage to the left hamstring. He is set to receive a precise diagnosis through follow-up examinations. He is expected to have a lengthy absence.
On that day, he was included in the starting lineup as the No. 2 batter and third baseman. Manager Lee Beom-ho explained, "I considered the most offensive environment possible. I decided it would be better to place Kim Do-young in the No. 2 spot. The opponent is also a left-handed pitcher (Logan Allen). The opening game has many variables. It can be a more precise game than one where you hit a home run, so I pushed him forward."
In his first at-bat in the bottom of the first inning, he made an awkward pop-out to left field. Opposing left fielder Kwon Hee-dong made a nice catch on a difficult ball. An unbelievable and alarming situation occurred in his second at-bat. After one out in the third inning, he pulled a fastball against Logan Allen, hitting a strong single that went past the third baseman.
He sprinted to first base and looked to second but immediately returned to first. However, right after returning, he grabbed his left thigh and complained of pain. The athletic trainer rushed over to assess him. The pain persisted, and he immediately signaled for a substitution. He ultimately limped off to the dugout. Classmate Yoon Do-hyun substituted in as a runner at first base.
At that moment, a gasp of despair came from the crowd filling Champions Field. Manager Lee Beom-ho, along with coaches and teammates, could not hide their worried expressions. Kim Do-young was promptly transported to the team's designated hospital, Sunhan Hospital, for an MRI examination. A heavy atmosphere enveloped the KIA dugout.
Kim Do-young had prepared thoroughly, recording a high batting average of .457 in the exhibition games. Despite being a key player for the opening game, a critical situation arose with hamstring pain after just two at-bats. This is a significant setback, not only for his performance but also for ticket sales. Last season, he recorded 38 home runs and 40 stolen bases, making him a blockbuster player in professional baseball. He was expected to deliver the same performance and popularity this year, but he ended up sidelined due to injury in the opening game.
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